Joe McConnell
Algeria’s Imane Khelif defeated Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng by unanimous decision in the women’s welterweight semifinal to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
In the 66kg semifinal, both wrestlers secured at least bronze for reaching this stage and reached the pinnacle of the electric atmosphere of the converted Roland Garros.
Hundreds of Algerian fans waving flags transformed the usually stately setting of the Phillippe-Chatrier pitch into a cauldron of din, as chants of “Imane” resounded from the stands.
After a cautious start, Khelif prevailed and distinguished herself with a two-punch combination in the first round, receiving a resounding 5-0 from the judges, all with scores of 10-9 in her favor.
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Khelif called for an end to the bullying he suffered
The second round was brighter for Suwannapheng, but the Algerian fighter still prevailed, making good use of her reach and finding herself in a strong position with one round to go.
As he continued to keep the situation under control, Khelif consolidated his convincing performance with his right and uppercut, celebrating with a dance as his unanimous victory was confirmed.
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IOC President Thomas Bach says they will not take part in a ‘politically motivated war’, calling the treatment of Olympic boxers on social media ‘totally unacceptable’
After avoiding huge media hubbub following his previous bouts, Khelif broke his silence, saying: “I don’t care what people say about me in this controversy.
“All that matters to me is to stay at the level and give my people the performance they deserve. I know I am a talented person and this is a gift for all Algerians.”
Khelif has been in the spotlight since her opening match due to a dispute over her eligibility that has made headlines and sparked online abuse.
Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting are both cleared to compete in the Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) adopted different criteria from the International Boxing Association (IBA), which disqualified them both from last year’s world championships due to the results of an unspecified fitness test.
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IOC spokesperson Mark Adams believes Khelif and Lin Yu Ting have been targeted on social media, as he reveals the couple have received death threats. Adams also explains the relationship between the IOC and the IBA
Khelif will face China’s Yang Liu in the women’s welterweight gold medal bout, after Yang beat Taiwan’s Chen Nien-chin by split decision.
