Algerian boxer lashes out at IBA’s legal action against IOC over Paris Olympics inclusion

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has strongly criticized the International Boxing Association's (IBA) decision this week to take legal action against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing her and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting to compete in women’s boxing last year, according to The National.

“For eight years, I have fought for my dream – eight years of sacrifice, discipline and perseverance to stand on the Olympic stage and represent my country with pride, and I will continue to stand firm in the face of any challenge,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

Khelif and Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the IBA’s 2023 World Championships due to alleged failures in gender eligibility tests. Despite this, both were cleared by the IOC to participate in the Paris Olympics, where they each secured gold medals.

The IBA's lawsuit claims justification from a U.S. executive order by former President Donald Trump that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Trump had mistakenly identified Khelif as a transgender woman.

Both Khelif and Lin have consistently maintained that they were born and have always lived as females, with their passports confirming their gender.

The IBA, which has ties to the Kremlin, was removed as the governing body of boxing by the IOC in 2023 due to concerns about its governance and financial transparency.

An IOC spokesperson described the lawsuit as politically motivated, stating, “This IBA statement is just another example of IBA's campaign against the IOC, which has continued since their recognition was withdrawn due to governance, judging, and refereeing issues, as well as financial concerns,” according to the AFP.