Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's father has weighed in on the row surrounding his daughter's appearance at the Olympics
The father of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has entered the conversation about his daughter's participation in the Olympic games.
Imane Khelif became the focus of widespread online controversy after defeating Italy's Angela Carini in just 46 seconds.
This uproar was fueled by misinformation that spread rapidly across the internet about her.
The root of the controversy was tied to a decision by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which previously alleged that Imane did not pass a 'gender eligibility test', the specifics of which were not disclosed.
Recently, on August 5, the IBA, which had its authority as the governing body for boxing revoked in 2019 due to corruption allegations, demanded that both Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting 'prove that they were born women'.
The IBA's past is marred by its connections with figures like Umar Kremlev, who is linked to Vladimir Putin, and its main sponsor, Gazprom, a Russian state-controlled gas company.

Despite the ongoing controversies, the debate regarding Imane's eligibility to compete at Paris 2024 continues to grow online.
Her father has now spoken up regarding the issue. In a statement to the Daily Mail, he said:
"Imane is a little girl that has loved sport since she was six years old, she used to play football.
"These critics and rumours aim to destabilise Imane, they don't want her to be the champion of the world.
"I tell her prove them wrong in the ring and I hope that she will honor Algeria and Arabic countries and win the gold medal.
"She is our role model, and we want to be like her and honor Algeria and Tiaret."
In a poignant demonstration of the pressures faced, Imane's father felt the need to provide concrete proof of her gender.

He produced an official document confirming that Imane was registered as a girl at birth.
The Olympic Committee of Algeria has described the ongoing dispute as 'malicious and unethical attacks directed against our distinguished athlete, Imane Khelif, by certain foreign media'.
In response to the relentless bullying on social media, Imane Khelif spoke to SNTV on August 4, stating:
"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.
"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."
Angela Carini, Imane's opponent, has voiced her dismay over the escalating controversy since their bout.
She expressed her feelings by saying: "All this controversy makes me sad.
"I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision."
While the controversy continues, Imane is still competing and is assured a spot on the podium, although it is yet to be determined which medal she will win.