The weeks following Algeria’s Imane Khelif’s Olympic gold medal win in women’s boxing have been marked by a surge of national enthusiasm for the sport, particularly among women. Khelif’s image, now a symbol of national pride, adorns billboards, airports, and boxing gyms across the country. The 25-year-old welterweight’s triumph in Paris catapulted her to national hero status, especially after Algerians rallied behind her amidst unfounded claims about her gender and eligibility to compete.
Amateur boxer Zougar Amina, a medical student who began boxing a year ago, describes Khelif as an idol and role model. “Since I’ve been boxing, my personality has changed: I’m more confident, less stressed,” she said, highlighting the sport’s therapeutic qualities for self-defense, confidence building, and overcoming shyness.
In Ain Taya, a coastal town east of Algiers, the local boxing gym, a converted church, is a testament to what local media have dubbed “Khelifmania.” The gym, adorned with a large photograph of the gold medalist and filled with boxing equipment, is home to 23 young women and girls, all aspiring to follow in Khelif’s footsteps. Their coach, Malika Abassi, proudly notes that her students emulate Khelif’s post-victory celebrations, hopping around the ring and saluting their fans. However, she expresses concern that the influx of interest may overwhelm the gym’s resources, as they are currently facing an overwhelming number of inquiries from parents eager to enroll their daughters.
Khelif’s story resonates deeply with the majority of the Algerian population, transcending societal divisions. Despite criticism from some conservative imams and Islamist politicians who questioned her attire, the nation embraced her victory, viewing it as a testament to Algerian talent and resilience. Amateur boxer Amina Abassi, a student at the same gym, believes that the overwhelming support for Khelif will drown out any dissent. “I’m convinced that even conservative families will allow their daughters to take up boxing,” she said, emphasizing Khelif’s role in challenging traditional gender norms.
Noureddine Bouteldja, a former amateur boxer and sports journalist, observes that Khelif’s story has become a “social phenomenon” in Algeria. He credits her personal journey, marked by the scrutiny she faced from individuals who questioned her identity, for propelling her to national prominence. The international criticism, stemming from false claims about her transgender status, was seen by many Algerians as an attack on their nation itself. Bouteldja highlights Khelif’s resilience in the face of these attacks, proclaiming her victory as a testament to her extraordinary strength of character.
Mourad Meziane, head of the Algerian Boxing League, anticipates a surge in registrations from young women at the start of the school year in mid-September. With 30 regional boxing leagues and 10,000 athletes currently participating nationwide, the impact of Khelif’s victory is expected to be substantial. “The impact is inevitable and will only be very positive for women’s boxing in Algeria,” Meziane stated confidently.
Beyond the boxing ring, Khelif’s story is viewed as a cultural milestone with far-reaching implications. Attorney Aouicha Bakhti, a prominent feminist and political activist, believes that Khelif’s success serves as a powerful counterweight to the conservative forces that discourage women’s participation in sports. “This kind of epic helps society, ours in this case, which is in the process of retreating in the face of fundamentalist ideals,” Bakhti asserted. Khelif’s legacy extends beyond her Olympic victory, becoming a symbol of empowerment and a catalyst for positive change in Algerian society.
