On Monday, Algerian Olympic champions such as boxing sensation Imane Khelif, teenage gymnastics golden medalist Kaylia Nemour and men’s 800m bronze medalist Djamel Sedjati were welcomed to Algiers airport amid cheers from a crowd. A joyful audience celebrated their incredible achievements in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
An emblem of Algeria’s strength and persistence, Imane Khelif lifted the women’s 66kg boxing trophy. The crowd sang “Tahia Imane” (Imane Lives Forever) while she thanked all the women of her country for being there.
“I was finding my answers on every game,” Parami quotes Khelif. “I wanted to demonstrate performance power and women presence in general with an emphasis on Algerian female.” Her journey to gold was not without controversies. Last year, the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified both her and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from its world championships claiming that they were “men” according to their tests. However, these athletes were allowed by the IBA to compete at Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The International Boxing Association (IBA), which is headed by Umar Kremlev, a Kremlin-associated oligarch ran into problems again during the Paris boxing tournament leading to IOC taking over it.
Khelif spoke against what she called ‘endless campaign’ regarding this issue and expressed gratitude for unswerving support she got from Algerians during this ordeal.
“Algerian ladies may be taken as an example or model globally,” added Khelif. “We have restored Algeria’s dignity thanks be to God and we have flown the Algerian flag in Paris which is more important.”
These three successes have been a great source of national pride for Algeria; however, Khelif has become something much more profound for Algerian women who consider her win as affirmation of global prowess about them.
Algiers Airport had an animated atmosphere where Algerians received their Olympic heroes with uncontrollable pride. Their achievements have not only put Algeria on the map but have also demonstrated the resolve and potential of its athletes; women in particular.
