Imane Khelif calls for end to 'bullying' as Olympic boxer at centre of gender row speaks out

Imane Khelif has demanded an end to the 'bullying' she has faced during her run to winning a medal at the Paris Olympics.

The Algerian fighter has beaten Italian Angela Carini and Hungarian Luca Anna Hamori during this summer's Games. Those wins have sent her into the semi-finals of the welterweight boxing category, securing her at least a bronze medal.

But her Games has also been plagued by a huge amount of abuse, stemming from a failed eligibility test conducted by the Russian-led International Boxing Association. The test was conducted after Khelif beat a Russian boxer and the IBA has refused to release any details over how the test is done.

Despite the IOC, who are running the boxing events at the Olympics, insisting Khelif has passed their eligibility tests and the fact she was born female, the Algerian has faced a shocking wave of abuse.

Now the 25-year-old has hit back at those she has accused of 'bullying' her this summer. She told SNTV: "I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes.

"Because this has effects, massive effects. It can destroy people, it can kill people's thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.

"I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren't affected deeply. They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response."

Khelif thanked the IOC for their strong response to the abuse she has received. IOC president Thomas Bach has come out in strong support of her, with Khelif trying to ignore the noise.

"I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth. I don't care about anyone's opinion," Khelif added.

"I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete. Honestly, I don't follow social media.

"There is a mental health team that doesn't let us follow social media, especially in the Olympic Games, whether me or other athletes. I'm here to compete and get a good result. I couldn't control my nerves [after beating Hamori].

"Because after the media frenzy and after the victory, there was a mix of joy and at the same time, I was greatly affected, because honestly, it wasn't an easy thing to go through at all. It was something that harms human dignity."

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