In a powerful statement, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has called for an end to the bullying and criticism she and her family have faced amidst the gender controversy surrounding her participation in the Paris Olympics 2024. Speaking in an interview, the welterweight athlete highlighted the negative effects of the ongoing furore, emphasizing the importance of upholding Olympic values and regulations.

Khelif, who has been competing in international women's boxing championships for six years, found herself at the center of a heated debate on gender eligibility following Italian boxer Angela Carini's decision to abandon their qualifying match just 46 seconds into the first round, citing concerns for her safety. Despite being born and raised as a woman and identifying as a woman, Khelif was disqualified from the Women's World Championships earlier this year alongside Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting on the grounds of failed gender eligibility tests conducted in New Delhi.

The controversy surrounding Khelif's gender has sparked outrage on social media, with high-profile figures such as J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk perpetuating false claims that Khelif is male. However, the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) have categorically stated that Khelif is indeed a woman, with IOC President Thomas Bach personally expressing his support.

Amidst the media storm, Khelif has expressed concern about its impact on her family, stating that they are worried for her well-being. She has remained in close contact with them, hoping they are not too deeply affected by the situation. Khelif remains focused on achieving success in the ring, believing that a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 would be the best response to her critics.

Since her encounter with Carini, Khelif has continued her Olympic journey, defeating Hungarian contender Anna Luca Hamori in the quarter-finals. Her next challenge awaits her in the semi-final against Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng on Tuesday, August 6. However, objections have been raised by Hungary's boxing federation and Bulgaria's Olympic Committee regarding the decision to allow Khelif to compete.

The IBA has been relentless in its efforts to disqualify Khelif and Lin from the games, while the IOC has questioned the validity of the New Delhi gender eligibility tests and distanced itself from the IBA. In a recent press conference held in Paris, the IBA aimed to clarify its stance on the matter but only managed to fuel further confusion. The conference included controversial remarks from IBA president Umar Kremlev, who resorted to offensive language, causing further controversy surrounding the gender row.

The exact details of the gender testing procedure and results have not been revealed, but there have been suggestions that Khelif and Lin may have Disorders In Sex Development (DSD), leading to the presence of XY male chromosomes and heightened levels of testosterone in individuals assigned female at birth. However, neither athlete has commented on these reports.

Despite the challenges and scrutiny she faces, Khelif remains determined and focused on her Olympic journey. In order to maintain her mental well-being, she has consciously chosen to stay away from social media during the games, relying on a dedicated mental health team to ensure her focus remains on competing and achieving the best results.

As the Paris Olympics 2024 continues, the debate on gender eligibility and the mistreatment of athletes like Khelif raises questions about inclusivity and fairness in sports. The support from the IOC and the determination of athletes like Khelif to overcome adversity shines a light on the importance of respecting individuals' identities and ensuring a level playing field for all competitors.