Imane Khelif has received the backing of compatriot Riyadh Mahrez after she blocked out the noise amid a gender row over her participation at the Paris Olympics .
The 25-year-old Algerian's involvement at the Games has been subject to controversy after she failed a gender eligibility test set by the International Boxing Association (IBA) before the World Championships in 2023. However, decision-makers at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared the star to compete in the French capital this summer.
Vowing to silence her critics by prevailing in the women's welterweight event this summer, Khelif was true to her word as he earned the top prize after defeating Yang Liu in the final on Friday. Earning the win via a judges' decision after three rounds, the Algerian's joy was palpable as she was paraded on the shoulders of her trainer after securing gold.
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Former Premier League star Mahrez was among those who paid tribute to Khelif afterwards by posting a set of emojis on X consisting of the Algerian flag, alongside a salute. Previous to this, he had filmed a video in support of the fighter, saying: "Hello, Imane Khelif, I'm Riyad Mahrez and I know you're a great boxer. Good luck and I hope you'll be the first Algerian to win the world championship!"
The ex- Manchester City hero was joined by his international teammate Ismael Bennacer in lavishing the boxer with praise as the AC Milan ace took to X saying: "Congratulations to our Olympic champion Imane Khelif. Despite the hatred, misinformation and relentlessness, she remained mentally strong to win the gold medal and honour Algeria."
Posting a picture of the triumphant star in gold medal after prevailing in the final over world champion Liu, the former Arsenal player predicted that Khelif's heroics would have a lasting legacy, adding: "The image we were all waiting for. Imane's coronation will remain a source of pride and inspiration for all of Algeria!"
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Meanwhile, Khelif beamed with pride as she admitted that the gender row had only inspired her as she looked to defy her critics in Paris. She said: "For eight years, this has been my dream, and I'm now the Olympic champion and gold medallist. That also gives my success a special taste because of those attacks."
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams had previously confirmed that the organizers had no qualms over allowing the welterweight fighter to compete at the Games. He asserted that Khelif has passed their criteria, which was based on the gender and age listed on each respective athlete's passport.
Speaking about the row, the Algerian star said: "I'm fully qualified to take part in this competition," she added. "I'm a woman like any other woman. I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am qualified."
She added: "Yeah I want to thank all the people of Algeria that have come out to Paris. I want to thank the people of Algeria across the world!"
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