In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has secured her spot in the final of the women's 145-pound division at the Paris Olympics 2024. Khelif's journey to the gold medal bout has been marred by a gender eligibility dispute that has captivated the attention of spectators and sparked a heated debate. However, her outstanding performance in the ring has proven her mettle as she pushed back against critics.

After a dominant victory in her semifinal bout, Khelif will now face off against either Chinese Taipei boxer Chen Nien Chin or Chinese boxer Yang Liu in the highly anticipated final scheduled for Friday afternoon. Undeterred by the controversy surrounding her participation, Khelif remains focused on winning the ultimate prize.

It is worth noting that Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who faced a similar gender eligibility test issue and was disqualified from the World Boxing Championships last year, will compete in the women's 125-pound semifinals on Wednesday. The presence of both Khelif and Yu-ting at the Olympic Games has reignited the discussion around the International Boxing Association's (IBA) gender eligibility criteria.

Khelif's exceptional performance has already guaranteed her a bronze medal as per the Olympic rule that allows for two bronze medalists in the semifinals. Her run at the Olympics has turned into a captivating narrative, especially after her swift victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, who abruptly withdrew from the match just 46 seconds into their bout. Carini expressed remorse for her actions and apologized for not shaking Khelif's hand, acknowledging the controversy surrounding their fight.

The criticism surrounding Khelif's participation revolves around the IBA's claims about her gender test results. The organization asserts that Khelif did not undergo a testosterone exam, but rather a different test that identified perceived competitive advantages over other female athletes. However, the IBA has chosen to keep the specifics of the test confidential, leading to further skepticism.

IBA President Umar Kremlev made allegations last year, stating that a number of athletes, likely including Khelif and Yu-ting, were identified with XY chromosomes typically found in men. However, no evidence or details regarding the testing process were provided. Khelif has competed throughout her career as a woman and is officially recognized as female on her passport.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has come to the defense of Khelif and Yu-ting, stating that they were victims of an arbitrary decision by the IBA. IOC President Thomas Bach firmly affirmed that there has never been any doubt about the boxers' gender and emphasized that the Olympics will not participate in politically motivated cultural battles.

As the countdown to the final begins, the controversy surrounding Imane Khelif's inclusion in the Paris Olympics 2024 continues to make headlines. Regardless of the outcome, her resilience and exceptional boxing abilities have left an indelible mark on the competition, solidifying her status as a fierce competitor on the global stage.