A wave of national pride washed over Algeria as its Olympic champions returned home to Algiers on Monday. The airport was abuzz with cheers and excitement as the heroes of the Paris 2024 Olympics were welcomed back. Among them were boxing star Imane Khelif, who claimed gold in the women’s 66kg category, teenage gymnastics gold medalist Kaylia Nemour, and men’s 800m bronze medalist Djamel Sedjati.
Khelif, in particular, has become a symbol of strength and resilience for Algerian women. Her journey to the top of the podium was marked by controversy when the International Boxing Association (IBA) attempted to disqualify her and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from the world championships, claiming they were men based on their test results. Despite this setback, Khelif persevered and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, showcasing her dedication and talent. The IBA’s actions were widely criticized, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ultimately took over the boxing competition in Paris due to ongoing concerns about the IBA’s leadership.
Upon her return to Algeria, Khelif was greeted with chants of “Tahia Imane” (long live Imane), a testament to her popularity and the admiration she has earned. Speaking to the crowd, she emphasized the importance of women’s strength and presence in sports, declaring, “I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular.” She also expressed her gratitude to the Algerian people for their unwavering support during her ordeal.
The achievements of Khelif, Nemour, and Sedjati have ignited a sense of national pride in Algeria. Their success on the world stage has not only put Algeria on the map but also highlighted the determination and capability of its athletes, particularly its women. Khelif’s victory, in particular, resonates deeply with Algerian women, who view her triumph as a testament to their own strength and resilience. The jubilant reception at the Algiers airport is a reflection of the immense pride and joy that the nation feels for its Olympic heroes.
