TOI Sports Desk
Algerian Olympic champions, including boxing star Imane Khelif, teenage gymnastics gold medallist Kaylia Nemour, and men’s 800m bronze medallist Djamel Sedjati, were welcomed with cheers at Algiers airport on Monday. Their impressive performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics were celebrated with great enthusiasm by a jubilant crowd.
Imane Khelif, who won the women’s 66kg boxing title, has become an emblem of strength and resilience in Algeria.The crowd chanted “Tahia Imane” (long live Imane) as she expressed her gratitude and dedication to the women of Algeria.
“The answer lay in the results of each match,” Khelif was quoted as saying by AFP. “I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular.”Khelif’s journey to gold was marked by controversy. The International Boxing Association (IBA) had disqualified her and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from its world championships last year, claiming they “are men” based on their tests. The IBA had allowed both athletes to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took over the boxing competition in Paris due to ongoing issues with the IBA, headed by Kremlin-linked oligarch Umar Kremlev.
Addressing the controversy, Khelif spoke out against what she termed a “relentless campaign” and thanked the Algerian people for their unwavering support during the ordeal.
“Algerian women are an example and a model for the whole world,” Khelif said. “Thanks to God, we have restored Algeria’s honour and flown the Algerian flag in Paris, which is the most important thing.”
The achievements of Khelif, Nemour, and Sedjati have inspired significant national pride in Algeria. Khelif’s victory, in particular, has resonated deeply with Algerian women, who view her triumph as a testament to their strength and resilience on the global stage.
The jubilant reception at Algiers airport reflected the immense pride and joy felt by the nation for its Olympic heroes. Their success has not only put Algeria on the map but has also highlighted the determination and capability of its athletes, particularly its women.
Imane Khelif, who won the women’s 66kg boxing title, has become an emblem of strength and resilience in Algeria.The crowd chanted “Tahia Imane” (long live Imane) as she expressed her gratitude and dedication to the women of Algeria.
“The answer lay in the results of each match,” Khelif was quoted as saying by AFP. “I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular.”Khelif’s journey to gold was marked by controversy. The International Boxing Association (IBA) had disqualified her and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from its world championships last year, claiming they “are men” based on their tests. The IBA had allowed both athletes to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took over the boxing competition in Paris due to ongoing issues with the IBA, headed by Kremlin-linked oligarch Umar Kremlev.
Addressing the controversy, Khelif spoke out against what she termed a “relentless campaign” and thanked the Algerian people for their unwavering support during the ordeal.
“Algerian women are an example and a model for the whole world,” Khelif said. “Thanks to God, we have restored Algeria’s honour and flown the Algerian flag in Paris, which is the most important thing.”
The achievements of Khelif, Nemour, and Sedjati have inspired significant national pride in Algeria. Khelif’s victory, in particular, has resonated deeply with Algerian women, who view her triumph as a testament to their strength and resilience on the global stage.
The jubilant reception at Algiers airport reflected the immense pride and joy felt by the nation for its Olympic heroes. Their success has not only put Algeria on the map but has also highlighted the determination and capability of its athletes, particularly its women.