Boxer who sparked gender controversy 'should be asked to return Olympic gold medal'

Female boxer Imane Khelif is reportedly being urged to return her Olympic gold medal, following her controversial gender-based victory at Paris 2024.

Imane Khelif wins controversial 2024 Olympic gold medal - Photo: AFP

More than a year after winning the 2024 Olympic gold medal, the controversy surrounding boxer Imane Khelif's gender is still a hot topic.

According to The Sun , a recently leaked medical document is said to 'prove Imane Khelif is biologically male'.

Immediately, Mr. Umar Kremlev - president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), who exposed Imane Khelif's gender scandal - said that this female boxer should be asked to return her Olympic gold medal.

At the 2024 Olympics, the Algerian boxer defeated four female opponents to climb to the top podium in Paris.

However, amid the controversy, the International Boxing Association (IBA) revealed that they had banned her from the 2023 World Championships following a chromosome test.

It is now likely that she will be denied the chance to defend her gold medal at the 2028 Olympics.

Imane Khelif has been heavily criticized for her appearance - Photo: AFP

New IOC president Kirsty Coventry has also announced plans to set up a working group to protect women's competition.

Khelif has not been asked to return the medal, though it is likely she will not be allowed to defend her title in 2028, much to the anger of IBA chief Umar Kremlev.

Mr Kremlev told Sun Sport : "No, I'm not happy. I really believe that a medal should be given to the person who deserves it. We must protect the athletes and give them the best conditions. I'm here for the truth, for transparency. And now the truth has come out."

“There should be no unfair fights in boxing and international federations should take care of their athletes. Therefore, the medal should be returned to its owner, a real woman,” he declared.

For his part, Khelif has always denied being biologically male and has even sued figures like JK Rowling and Elon Musk for online harassment.

An IOC spokesman previously told Sun Sport : “The IOC has always made it clear that eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the respective international federation.”

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vo-si-gay-tranh-cai-gioi-tinh-nen-bi-yeu-cau-tra-lai-huy-chuong-vang-olympic-20250702213930211.htm