Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has declared her intention to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite being at the centre of a heated debate around gender eligibility in sport.
The 26-year-old athlete made headlines in 2023 after being banned from the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships for allegedly failing gender eligibility standards. Despite the setback and subsequent public scrutiny—including false accusations that she is transgender—Khelif went on to win gold in the women’s welterweight category at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, Khelif said she remains “determined” to pursue another Olympic medal.
“I am working on many surprises that I have not yet announced, but God willing, we will be on the right track,” she said.
“In the Paris Olympics and after, and even now, I am still being subjected to campaigns, injustice, and new decisions from international federations. But I currently have a case in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and God willing, it will be for the best.”
Fighting “Inside and Outside the Ring”
Khelif’s resolve comes as sporting bodies tighten regulations. Earlier this year, World Boxing introduced a controversial new policy mandating that athletes over 18 must undergo gender testing—specifically a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test—to compete in sanctioned events.
World Boxing directly referenced Khelif when announcing the policy, though it later apologised, admitting, “greater effort should have been made to avoid linking the policy to any individual.”
Khelif has filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in an attempt to overturn the requirement for genetic testing and restore her eligibility.
“The dream continues, and the work continues, and as for the campaigns and the people who criticise, I say to them, continue, because I am developing,” she said.
“This law issued by the International Boxing Association was specifically for Imane Khelif and not for athletes. They issued this law after the Paris Olympics.”
“Today I am fighting inside and outside the ring, but the law is above all voices, and the decision is fundamentally illogical and contrary to the law.”
Concerns are growing that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may soon adopt similar restrictions. Recent reports suggest the IOC is edging closer to introducing a ban on trans women competing in female categories for the 2028 Olympics—although no official announcement has been made. If implemented, such policies could again jeopardise Khelif’s Olympic ambitions.
