ALGERIAN boxer shares heartfelt tribute to family as IOC breaks silence on explosive documents claiming to prove fighter has XY chromosomes
Olympic gold medallist Imane Khelif has broken her silence following explosive claims that a leaked medical report proves she is biologically male – by posting a tribute to her parents on Instagram while completely ignoring the renewed gender controversy.
The 26-year-old Algerian boxer, who won gold at the Paris Olympics amid fierce debate about her eligibility, took to social media to celebrate UNICEF’s Global Day of Parents, conspicuously avoiding any mention of the bombshell medical documents that have reignited the gender row.
In a carefully worded Instagram post, Khelif shared a photograph of herself in UNICEF attire while forming a heart shape with her hands, choosing to focus on family rather than addressing the scandal that has engulfed women’s boxing.
Leaked report sparks fresh controversy
The defiant social media post comes just days after American journalist Alan Abrahamson published what he claims are medical test results from Khelif’s 2023 World Championships screening on the 3 Wire Sports website.
The leaked document, dated March 17, 2023, reportedly states that “chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype” and summarises the findings on the Olympic champion as “abnormal.
The test was allegedly conducted at Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, a facility accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the International Organisation for Standardisation.
According to the reports, unless someone manipulates the evidence, the result is going to be crystal clear, déjà vu all over again, because in chromosome tests given amid the International Boxing Association’s 2022 and 2023 world championships, the boxer’s DNA showed XY markers with “male” karyotypes.
‘My parents believed in me’
Rather than addressing the controversy head-on, Khelif’s Instagram caption focused on gratitude towards her parents’ support throughout her journey.
“Today, I became a champion, but it all started long ago. When my parents believed in me, even when the dream felt too big. When they supported me, listened to me, and stood by me,” she wrote.
The boxer acknowledged the challenges of parenthood, adding: “Being a parent isn’t easy.”
Her post concluded with appreciation for “everyday heroes” and highlighted her partnership with UNICEF Algeria in celebrating parental dedication.
Boxing ban threatens LA Olympics dreams
The timing of Khelif’s social media post is particularly significant as it comes just 36 hours after World Boxing ruled that she must undergo sex screening to remain eligible for future female category competition.
World Boxing has issued an indefinite ban preventing Khelif from competing in the female category at any of its events, including the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup scheduled for 5-10 June 2025.
The governing body sent a letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation confirming that “Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.
This development threatens Khelif’s stated ambitions to defend her gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, as World Boxing has been granted provisional authority by the IOC to govern boxing at the LA Games, requiring PCR testing to detect the SRY gene which reveals the presence of the Y chromosome.
IOC maintains ‘measured restraint’
The International Olympic Committee has responded to the developments with what observers are calling “measured restraint.
An IOC spokesperson stated: “The IOC has always made it clear that eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the respective International Federation.”
They added: “The factors that matter to sports performance are unique to each sport, discipline, and/or event. We await the full details how sex testing will be implemented in a safe, fair and legally enforceable way.”
The IOC’s position maintains distance from the controversy whilst acknowledging World Boxing’s authority over eligibility standards, with their statement notably avoiding direct commentary on Khelif’s specific situation or the leaked medical documentation.
Paris Olympics controversy
The latest revelations have reignited the fierce debate that erupted during the Paris Olympics, where Khelif dominated the 66kg competition, defeating China’s Yang Liu via unanimous decision in the final to become Algeria’s second Olympic gold medallist.
Throughout her participation, the IOC faced sustained pressure to address ongoing questions about her biological sex classification.
The controversy originally began with her disqualification from the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi by the International Boxing Association, which claimed she had failed gender eligibility tests.
The IBA president, Umar Kremlev, stated that Khelif possessed XY chromosomes, the male pattern.
However, Khelif was cleared to compete based on having a female passport and identifying as female.
UNICEF role continues amid scandal
Despite the controversy, Khelif continues in her role as a UNICEF national ambassador, a position she has held since January 2024.
I started with nothing and now I have everything,” Khelif previously told UNICEF in an interview at their Algiers office. “Both my parents come to support me. They are my biggest fans,” she said.
The boxer’s journey from selling scrap metal to fund her training to becoming an Olympic champion has made her a hero in Algeria, where she has used her platform to advocate for women’s participation in sports.
Previous denials and legal threats
In November 2024, Khelif threatened legal action against a French journalist who reported on a leaked medical report about the Algerian boxer.
“We will meet with the French journalist in court,” Khelif said at the time, responding to claims that she has XY chromosomes and is a biological male.
Previous reports suggested that Khelif underwent an MRI, where it was determined that the boxer did not have a uterus, but instead had internal testicles, though these claims have been disputed by Khelif’s supporters.
What happens next?
As the controversy continues to swirl, all eyes are on whether Khelif will submit to the mandatory genetic testing required by World Boxing or continue to fight the eligibility requirements through legal channels.
Her silence on the latest leaked documents, choosing instead to focus on her UNICEF work and family support, suggests a strategy of rising above the controversy rather than engaging with it directly.
However, with her boxing future hanging in the balance and the Los Angeles Olympics approaching, the pressure is mounting for a resolution to this unprecedented situation in women’s sport.
The case has become a lightning rod in wider debates about gender, fairness in sport, and the protection of women’s categories in competitive athletics.
