Imane Khelif’s Olympic gold has sparked a surge in women’s boxing participation in Algeria, inspiring young athletes like Cerine Kessal and Hayat Berouali. The cultural shift is evident as families embrace female boxers, revitalizing the sport nationwide and transforming community perceptions. Khelif’s resilience in the face of controversy further establishes her as a role model for aspiring female fighters.

In northern Algeria’s Kabylia region, 15-year-old Cerine Kessal trains vigorously with dreams of participating in African and world championships. A two-time national champion, Kessal’s aspirations have been fueled by the Olympic success of Imane Khelif. Khelif’s achievement in winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics has inspired a significant increase in female participation in boxing, a sport historically dominated by men.

Despite facing controversy regarding her gender eligibility due to disqualification from the International Boxing Association, Khelif has emerged as a resilient figure. She continues to fight both in the ring and in the courtroom, demonstrating her determination. Khelif’s influence is profound, inspiring a generation of female athletes. At the Jeunesse Sportive Azazga club, Kessal’s coach, Djaafar Ourhoun, refers to Khelif as “a role model” for the growing number of female boxers training at the facility, which was repurposed from an old slaughterhouse with community support.

Kessal praised Khelif, stating her ambition to win an Olympic gold herself. Khelif’s impact is not limited to urban centers; even in conservative regions like Bejaia and Djelfa, women’s boxing is gaining acceptance. Local clubs, such as Dream Team and Sidi Ayad Boxing Club, are experiencing increasing female enrollment, as family attitudes shift.

Director of Ennasr club, Mohamed Benyacoub, remarked on the change, citing that attempts to introduce women’s boxing in 2006 were unsuccessful due to local conservatism. He notes that Khelif has helped to break these barriers. Nacim Touami, a boxing referee, points to a cultural transformation wherein parents now encourage their daughters to pursue boxing, which was previously overshadowed by other sports like volleyball.

Former national champion Manel Berkache highlighted the palpable shift in support from mothers, who are now actively registering their daughters and attending matches. Hocine Oucherif, the vice president of the Algerian Boxing Federation, termed this trend the “Imane Khelif phenomenon.” Khelif’s success has led to a notable increase in young female participation, with over 100 junior female boxers at this year’s national championships, notably including Kessal who won gold.

Kessal, alongside newcomer Hayat Berouali, who was inspired by Khelif’s Olympic performances, represents a promising future for Algerian female boxing. Berouali expressed her enthusiasm for boxing after watching the Olympics, stating her aspiration to become a champion with her parents’ encouragement.

Imane Khelif’s Olympic success has revolutionized women’s boxing in Algeria, leading to increased participation among female athletes across the country. With the backing of community support and changing cultural perceptions, young boxers like Cerine Kessal and Hayat Berouali are motivated to pursue their dreams. Khelif’s role as a trailblazer not only inspires individuals but also significantly contributes to the growth and acceptance of women’s boxing in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Original Source: www.dailysabah.com

Related posts:

World Boxing Advocates for Fairness and Safety for Women Athletes World Boxing Ensures Athlete Safety and Fairness in Gender Policies Angela Carini Clinches Italian Women’s Boxing Title Amid Gender Controversy IBA Appeals to President Trump for Boxing’s Inclusion in 2028 Olympics