Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been asked to return her medal following ongoing controversy surrounding her eligibility to compete in the women’s division.
The dispute began after Italian boxer Angela Carini was defeated by Khelif in just 46 seconds during the final bout. Carini publicly questioned Khelif’s gender and whether she should have been allowed to compete in the women’s category. The debate escalated when Khelif found herself at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump, who also cast doubt on her gender identity without evidence.
In June 2025, Khelif was officially banned from the female category. This was followed by new allegations raised by International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev, who has now called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to revoke Khelif’s gold medal and award it to the “rightful winner.”
“I am not satisfied,” Kremlev told GB News. “A medal should be earned fairly. We must protect our athletes and ensure fair conditions.”
He emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the sport, stating, “There should be no unfair fights in boxing. We owe it to our athletes to uphold integrity.”
Kremlev also launched a scathing critique of the IOC, accusing it of being compromised by political motivations. “The IOC is surrounded by corruption. They are not fighting for fairness in sport. Imane Khelif should return the medal she won in Paris,” he told the Daily Mail.
This is not the first time Khelif has faced scrutiny. In 2023, she was barred from the IBA World Championships after reportedly failing a gender eligibility test. That same tournament contributed to the IOC’s decision to strip the IBA of its status as boxing’s governing body due to governance concerns.
The 26-year-old champion became a target of criticism from Trump shortly after her Olympic win. He repeatedly suggested, without evidence, that Khelif was not biologically female.
Khelif strongly denied the accusations. “The U.S. President’s statements on transgender policy have nothing to do with me. I am not transgender,” she told ITV. “What happened at the Olympics was eye-opening. I am more determined than ever.”
While her gold medal win should have been a moment of celebration, Khelif admitted that the controversy took a toll on her and her family.
“It shocked me to see world leaders and public figures commenting on me without knowing the facts,” she said. “It deeply affected me and my family — my mother was in the hospital almost every day. This went beyond sport. It was personal, and it was painful.”
Despite the mental and emotional toll, Khelif says the experience has only made her stronger.
“If the old Imane was at 50 percent of her potential, the Imane today is more motivated than ever,” she said.
