PARIS – In a featured SNTV interview with the Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif, she said that the defamation campaign about her gender “harms human dignity,” and urged the world to stop bullying athletes, and respect the Olympic principles and charter.
“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,” Khelif said in Arabic. “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.”
The 25-year-old Khelif described the pain she felt, as she was concerned about her family’s feelings amidst the ignominious bullying campaign she experienced far from home.
“I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply,” she said. “They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”
Khelif started her Olympic journey last Thursday with a victory over Angela Carini of Italy, who abandoned the bout after just 46 seconds, triggering more uproar against her rival.
“I used to receive my trainings in Italy, and I’m in close acquaintance with boxers there, including Angela Carini” Khelif added.
The IOC repeatedly declared her eligibility to participate in the Olympics, and stressed not to conflate politics with sport.
