Following a gender controversy at the Paris Olympics, gold medalist Imane Khelif has pledged to counter accusations made by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA recently announced its intention to pursue legal action against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in three countries – the U.S., France, and Switzerland – over the IOC's decision to permit Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting to participate in the Games, despite their disqualifications from the IBA's own tournament. Notably, the IBA serves as the governing body for Olympic boxing.

Khelif, representing Algeria, expressed her commitment to defending her hard-earned victory. In a statement shared on Instagram, she emphasized her eight years of dedication and sacrifice to achieve her Olympic dream. She affirmed her rightful place in the competition and her resolve to confront any challenges. For the past two years, she has remained silent while her name and image were used without consent to promote personal and political agendas through the dissemination of false information. Now, she declares that silence is no longer an option.

Khelif directly addressed the IBA's accusations, labeling them baseless, false, and offensive. She highlighted the IBA's non-recognition by the IOC and criticized the organization for using these allegations to advance their own agenda. Khelif framed the situation as a matter of fairness and due process in sports, extending beyond her individual case. The IBA referenced a Trump-era executive order concerning transgender athletes as justification for its legal complaints. However, the IOC has reaffirmed that neither Khelif nor Lin are transgender athletes.

Both Khelif and Lin secured gold medals at the Paris Olympics.