Imane Khelif makes decision on career after successful Olympics

IMANE KHELIF revealed at a press conference on Sunday that she will resume her professional career.

The 25-year-old Algerian became one of the most recognised athletes in the world during this summer’s Paris Olympics.

Khelif won gold in the 66kg category breezing through the competition culminating in a final against China’s Liu Yang. The final at Roland Garros, more known for French Open Tennis, was a cacophony of noise in support of Khelif when she entered the famous venue. Khelif recorded a shut-out victory to the delight of her supporters. However, that was half the story of her time at the Olympics.

Before last year’s World Championship final in New Delhi Khelif was disqualified after failing to meet the eligibility criteria of the International Boxing Association (IBA).

In a statement released near the end of July the IBA said, “This test conclusively indicated that both athletes did not meet the required necessary eligibility criteria and were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors.”

This brought into doubt her participation at the Olympics but the Independent Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised Khelif as a female athlete despite facing a barrage of criticism. Khelif faced a backlash of her own particularly online which included from some in the public eye.

Khelif, who made a winning professional debut in Singapore 11 months ago, spoke of her future plans at a press conference in Sydney yesterday.

“I would like to hold a press conference to share with you my success story with the media family and young women who watch me.

“There is a documentary being prepared about my success story and it will be shown on international platforms. I will soon enter the world of professional boxing. I have many offers. Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter boxing. But very soon I will take this step, we as Algerians would like to see our level in the field of professionalism.