Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding her eligibility for the Paris Games, which has sparked widespread international outrage.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) had previously ruled both Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting ineligible for the 2023 World Championships, citing their XY chromosomes, typically associated with biological males, as a key factor in their disqualification.

In a statement, the IBA explained, “Both Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting, post-testing, did not meet the required eligibility criteria to compete within the female category of our respective events. The urgent nature of the decision to disqualify the boxers was justified, as the safety of our boxers is our top priority.”

Despite this ruling, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed both fighters to compete in the Paris Games, citing their official documentation that classifies them as female.

Amid the backlash, Khelif has voiced her frustration and called for an end to the bullying. In a recent interview with SNTV, she addressed the global audience, urging them to uphold Olympic principles and refrain from targeting athletes. “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles, according to the Olympic charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes because this thing has effects—massive effects. It can destroy people. It can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. And it can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying,” Khelif stated.

The controversy has intensified due to perceptions of unfair advantage, particularly as Khelif and Lin, who are noted for having elevated levels of testosterone, have been performing exceptionally well. This debate was highlighted when Italy’s Angela Carini withdrew from a match after just 46 seconds, citing severe pain from a powerful punch delivered by Khelif. “My face and nose were hurting. I’ve never been hit with such a powerful punch,” Carini remarked, marking an abrupt end to her Olympic aspirations.

Despite the criticism, Khelif, 25, and Lin, 28, have excelled in their matches at the Paris Olympics, securing victories with 5-0 unanimous decisions and advancing to the semi-finals in their respective weight classes. Their success has only fueled further debate about their competitive edge.

Khelif has also shared the emotional toll of the backlash on her family. “God willing this crisis will culminate in a gold medal and that would be the best response,” she said, reflecting on the challenges she has faced.

Khelif is set to face Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the women’s 66-kg division semi-final, which will be broadcasted on Tuesday, August 6, at 4:30 pm ET. This match is a rematch from the World Championship semi-final, where Khelif was disqualified after defeating Suwannapheng.

As the debate over gender eligibility continues, the global response is unlikely to subside, maintaining a heightened level of scrutiny on Khelif’s Olympic journey.