Imane Khelif Of Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting Of Taiwan Will Play A Special Role At The Closing Ceremony Of The Olympics!***

Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting are set to carry the flags for their respective nations at the closing ceremony at the Paris Olympics – following on from the controversy regarding the eligibility of the boxing pair.

A row erupted during the Games this summer over the decision to allow the fighters to compete, with both having failed unspecified gender tests set by the IBA before last year’s World Championships. However, they were cleared to take part at the Olympics by the IOC as both competitors met their criteria for appearing.

Khelif eventually defied her critics to earn the gold in the light-welterweight stakes, while Lin also took the top prize in the featherweight final. Now, the pair have been honored by their countries as they look set to take on the roles as flagbearers as the curtain comes down on the Olympics in the French capital.

Having prevailed in their respective weight divisions in the face off a tirade of abuse on social media, their involvement in the ceremony represents a message of support from their nations. After defeating Liu Yang of via unanimous decision on Friday, Khelif made an impassioned plea for a change in attitudes from her detractors.

“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, she said. 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.

Providing details about how the gender row had affected her family, the Algerian hero added: “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply. They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”

Gold medallist Yu Ting Lin of Taipei will represent her country as a flagbearer at the ceremony

Meanwhile, IOC chief Thomas Bach has defended the two women at the center of the gender debate throughout these Games – alongside defending the current system for determining eligibility. He said: “This system is working and so therefore our decision is clear. Women should be allowed to take part in women’s competitions and the two are women.”

The IOC stated: ‘These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process. According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO.’

Commenting on the abuse that both boxers have suffered via online trolls this summer, the organizers added: “The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving. Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.”