Iman Khelif’s victory inspires a new generation of Algerian girls to step into the boxing ring

Algerian gyms are buzzing with new energy as more girls and women lace up their gloves, inspired by Iman Khelif’s triumphant gold medal win at last year’s Paris Olympics, according to AFP.

The ripple effect of her victory is even reaching Algeria’s traditionally conservative regions, where women’s boxing once struggled to gain acceptance.

“We first tried introducing women’s boxing in 2006, but it wasn’t successful due to the region’s conservative mindset,” Mohamed Benyacoub, director of the local club Ennasr, told AFP. “Now, the women’s sports movement is coming back to life,” he added, crediting Khelif for “shattering the taboo that women can’t box.”

Khelif’s victory wasn’t without controversy. She made international headlines not only for her Olympic success but also for her expulsion from the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) World Championships in 2023, allegedly over a failed gender eligibility test.

Calling the accusations false and offensive, Khelif remains determined to fight both in the courtroom and in the ring. The International Olympic Committee has voiced its support for her throughout the ordeal.

Her influence is reshaping social norms. Mothers, who once encouraged their daughters to pursue volleyball or swimming, are now leading them to the boxing gym.

“Mothers are now the ones registering their daughters and attending training sessions and matches. It’s a beautiful shift,” Manel Berkache, a former national champion told AFP.

Berkache noted a remarkable increase in participation at this year’s national championship — the number of girls competing more than doubled to 100 compared to the previous year. He attributes this surge entirely to Khelif’s impact.

“She is the driving force behind women’s boxing in Algeria,” Berkache said. “She’s given us powerful momentum.”