WWE star slams people attacking boxer Imane Khelif amid gender controversy
Wrestler Sami Zayn has spoken out strongly against the online abuse directed at Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has faced relentless attacks following her boxing match against Italy’s Angela Carini. The bout, which lasted just 46 seconds, ignited a wave of misinformation and controversy regarding Khelif’s gender after she was barred from a previous competition by the now-discredited International Boxing Association (IBA).
The IBA had subjected Khelif, along with Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan, to a controversial ‘gender eligibility test,’ resulting in their disqualification from the event. This decision sparked widespread criticism, and the IBA has since been disavowed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to corruption concerns. The IBA’s president, Umar Kremlev, has ties to Vladimir Putin, and the organization’s primary sponsor is Gazprom, a Russian state-owned gas company.
Amidst this controversy, Sami Zayn has voiced his support for Khelif, condemning the attacks against her as “idiotic” and “bigoted.” In a recent tweet, Zayn expressed his admiration for Khelif’s resilience, writing: “Big ups to the Muslim sister Imane Khelif who advanced in the Olympics today to box for the gold medal after facing a swarm of the most idiotic, bigoted comments I’ve ever seen an Olympic athlete face. Inshallah she wins the big one & the b****asses online get the help they need.”
The term “Inshallah,” which means “god-willing” or “hopefully” in Arabic, reflects Zayn’s hopes for Khelif’s success.
Khelif, now guaranteed a medal, will compete against China’s Liu Yang in the gold medal match, aiming to become Algeria’s first female Olympic boxing gold medalist. Ahead of the fight, Khelif expressed her determination and gratitude: “I am focused. I am here for a good performance and my dream. I will give everything I have for the final. I am very happy for all the support here in Paris. I want to thank all the people of Algeria who came here.”
The IOC has supported Khelif, emphasizing that every athlete has the right to compete without discrimination. Khelif has also addressed the bullying she has faced, urging a global audience to adhere to Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter. In an interview with SNTV, she stated: “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects. It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
Khelif also mentioned her concern for her family, noting that she is in contact with them twice a week. She expressed hope that they have not been deeply affected by the situation, adding: “They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”
As Khelif prepares for her final match, her journey has become a powerful testament to perseverance and the fight against discrimination in sports.
