Exploring the Unjust Expulsion of an Algerian Female Boxer from the World Championship
The International Boxing Federation excluded Algerian Iman Khalifa from the finals of the Women’s World Welterweight Championship in India for reasons related to eligibility criteria, which Algeria said were due to medical reasons.
Iman, 23, who won the silver medal at the 2022 World Championships, was due to play in the final against China’s Yang Liu today, Sunday, before she was abruptly ruled out.
The Algerian Olympic Committee cited Iman’s exclusion as medical reasons and said it would sponsor Iman Khalifa’s heroine’s medical escort and support her in her preparations for the African qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which is scheduled for the Senegalese capital Dakar, August 2023.
Reuters quoted the IF as affirming that it “complies with its regulations and rules, in addition to keeping athletes’ personal and medical confidentiality, and accordingly the IF cannot share details of the eligibility criteria violation” in response to the reason for Eman’s exclusion.
The federation added that in connection with the exclusion of Iman, Thai Jangaim Suwanaweng will take part in the women’s final in the weight category up to 66 kg.
On the other hand, the Algerian Olympic Committee expressed support for the boxing champion and wrote on Facebook: Iman Khalifa is a symbol of challenge. Iman Khalifa is the strongest and the best, so let’s all come together to support our star.”
Source: agencies