Gender scandal boxer Imane Khelif bursts into WILD celebrations inside the ring after securing a place in the Olympic final… before claiming she ‘doesn’t care about the controversy’

Imane Khelif beat Janjaem Suwannapheng to secure a place in the Olympic final
The 25-year-old Algerian boxer won the bout via unanimous decision
Khelif will now fight Yang Liu of China in the gold medal fight later this week

Imane Khelif exploded with joy after reaching the Olympic final in the women’s 66kg boxing event thanks to another dominant display on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old overcame Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng by a unanimous decision to set up a gold medal fight against Yang Liu of China.

Once her victory was confirmed over the loudspeaker, Khelif began celebrating by waving the index finger on her left hand.

She then briefly paused her celebrations to allow her opponent – now a confirmed bronze medalist – a moment to lap up applause from the crowd.

Once Suwannapheng had left the ring, Khelif returned to centre stage and began running on the spot with high knees, while spinning around and appeared to shout something.

Imane Khelif (right) progressed to the final of the women’s 66kg boxing event on Tuesday

Khelif secured a victory via unanimous decision over Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand

Shortly after her win was confirmed, Algerian Khelif celebrated wildly by dancing in the ring

Later in the evening, Khelif said that she did not care about the controversy swirling over her inclusion in the women’s 66kg boxing category.

Having avoided the huge media scrum after her previous bouts, Khelif broke her silence to maintain: ‘I don’t care what anyone is saying about me with the controversy.

‘All that is important to me is that I stay on the level and give my people the performance they deserve. I know I’m a talented person and this is a gift to all Algerians.’

Hundreds of flag-waving Algerian supporters had turned the normally genteel surroundings of Phillippe-Chatrier Court at Roland Garros into a cauldron of noise in support of Khelif, who is at the centre of a gender eligibility row.

Chants of ‘Imane’ tumbled down from the stands as Khelif, who was one of two boxers caught up in the ongoing row, dominated Suwannapheng to confirm she will get the chance to emulate compatriot Hocine Soltani, who won lightweight gold in 1996.

The participation of Khelif and Chinese Taipei featherweight Lin Yu-ting has caused an international storm since Khelif beat Angela Carini of Italy in just 46 seconds in her opening bout last Thursday.

The crowd around the Phillippe-Chatrier Court was full of Algerian supporters and flags

Khelif said later on Tuesday: ‘I don’t care what anyone is saying about me with the controversy’

Both Khelif and Lin were disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) during last year’s World Championships for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria.

However, the IBA, which was was expelled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over financial and corruption concerns, has failed to provide any proof of its findings.

On Monday, an IBA press conference descended into farce as controversial president Umar Kremlev made baseless claims about Lin and Khelif and launched an astonishing tirade against IOC president Thomas Bach.

Khelif and Lin were allowed to return to competition by the IOC, which is effectively administering the Paris 2024 boxing tournament in the IBA’s absence.

The case has aroused global interest, with figures such as former United States president Donald Trump and Harry Potter author JK Rowling weighing in on the issue.

Khelif won every round on the judges’ cards on Tuesday night, appearing close to securing a stoppage at times.