Algeria’s Imane Khelif inspires a new generation of female boxers after Olympic gold medal

Since her gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, Imane Khelif has sparked a surge in interest in women’s boxing across Algeria. The 25-year-old welterweight has become a national symbol of resilience and female empowerment, especially after facing international scrutiny about her gender. Khelif’s image is everywhere in Algeria—on billboards, in airports, and in gyms—encouraging young women to take up the sport.

Zougar Amina, a 20-year-old medical student who has been boxing for a year, sees Khelif as a role model. “Since I’ve been boxing, my personality has changed: I’m more confident, less stressed,” Amina said, adding that the sport has given her a newfound sense of self-assurance.

In Ain Taya, east of Algiers, the local boxing gym has seen an influx of young women wanting to follow in Khelif’s footsteps. The gym, which houses 23 young women and girls, is now struggling to keep up with the growing interest. “We’re getting calls from parents wanting to sign up their daughters,” said coach Malika Abassi, adding that the gym’s small size and her role as the only coach limit their capacity.

Despite criticism from some conservative figures over her appearance and decision not to wear a headscarf, Khelif’s widespread popularity has helped shift societal perceptions of women’s sports in Algeria. Amina Abassi, an amateur boxer at the same gym, believes Khelif has broken cultural barriers. “Imane has broken through the wall of false modesty and hypocrisy,” she said, confident that even conservative families will now support their daughters in boxing.

Mourad Meziane, the head of the Algerian Boxing League, expects a sharp rise in women’s participation in boxing, particularly after Khelif’s success. Algeria already has 30 regional boxing leagues and 10,000 athletes involved in the sport, and these numbers are expected to grow significantly. Meziane believes Khelif’s victory will have a lasting positive impact on the development of women’s boxing in the country.

Khelif’s story is not only an athletic achievement but also a symbol of social change in Algeria. Civil society figures like feminist lawyer Aouicha Bakhti see Khelif as a counterbalance to conservative ideologies that often discourage women from participating in sports. “This kind of epic helps society, ours in this case, which is in the process of retreating in the face of fundamentalist ideals,” Bakhti said, emphasizing the broader cultural implications of Khelif’s success.

Khelif’s rise from humble beginnings in rural Algeria to global fame has inspired a new generation of female athletes. Her journey has resonated with Algerians, who rallied behind her during the international criticism. Many Algerians saw attacks from public figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, as indirect assaults on the country itself, further boosting support for Khelif.

As Algeria continues to celebrate Khelif’s achievement, her legacy extends beyond the boxing ring. Young women are now flocking to gyms, inspired by her story of perseverance and strength. For many, Khelif’s victory symbolizes not only personal triumph but also a shift in societal attitudes toward women’s involvement in sports, signaling a brighter future for female athletes in Algeria.