Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has spoken out to clarify her position amid ongoing controversy surrounding her eligibility to compete in women’s boxing events. The Algerian athlete said she is willing to comply with any procedures required to participate in international competitions, including undergoing a genetic sex-verification test, provided such examinations are conducted under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Khelif won the gold medal in the women’s welterweight division (66 kg) at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, an achievement that was nevertheless overshadowed by intense public and media debate regarding her biological profile and eligibility. The controversy dates back to 2023, when she was excluded from the World Boxing Championships following tests carried out by the international boxing federation, the results of which were not fully disclosed.

In her recent statements, Khelif acknowledged that she had undergone hormonal treatment to reduce her testosterone levels in order to meet eligibility requirements for certain competitions. She stressed, however, that the treatment was undertaken within a medical and regulatory framework, and that she has consistently respected the rules set by governing bodies.

The Algerian boxer also called for the issue to be addressed within a clear, transparent institutional framework, emphasizing the need to protect athletes from public speculation and reputational harm. “I am ready to take any test required,” she said, “but only in an official setting and under the authority of the IOC.”

Beyond her individual case, the situation has reignited broader debates within international sport about how to balance fair competition, scientific considerations, and respect for athletes’ privacy and dignity. Differences in eligibility rules across sports federations continue to fuel uncertainty, highlighting the absence of a unified global standard.

For Imane Khelif, the priority remains clear: to move past the controversy and focus on her athletic career, with her sights set on future international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games. By expressing her readiness to submit to any officially sanctioned procedure, the Olympic champion aims to redirect attention back to sporting performance rather than controversy outside the ring.