Martina Navratilova faces backlash for ‘asking for privacy’ over recent comments about gender controversy boxer Imane Khelif

Imane Khelif was subjected to a boatload of criticism, and Martina Navratilova was one among the harsh critics..

Martina Navratilova faces backlash for ‘asking for privacy’ over recent comments about gender controversy boxer Imane Khelif

Martina Navratilova and Imane Khelif (Images via Imago)

For over two weeks, Martina Navratilova slammed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing Imane Khelif to participate in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics. The American legend raised several claims on social media alleging that the athlete was a male.

Khelif went on to claim the gold medal in the women’s 66-kilogram boxing event after unanimously defeating China’s Yang Liu. The Algerian boxer received a hero’s welcome back in her country. However, during Khelif’s participation at the Olympic Games, a revelation that she failed an unspecified gender test caused a row in the online space.

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The amateur boxer was disqualified from competing in the women’s Boxing Championship last year in New Delhi after the International Boxing Association (IBA) test results claimed that they had found high levels of testosterone in the boxer’s body.

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Now, with the Paris Olympics over, the American legend revealed through veteran journalist Jon Wertheim on social media that she and her partner (Julia Lemigova) have adopted two young boys, and they seek privacy.

Here's some @Martina Navratilova news. She and Julia Lemigova announced today that they have adopted two young boys. They are delighted and request that they are now given the space and privacy to welcome the new members of their family. Martina: 'We are the over the moon recognising the challenges and the rewards for everybody.'
Jon Wertheim wrote via X
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Fans on social media slam Martina Navratilova for seeking privacy after criticizing Imane Khelif for over two weeks

Following Martina Navratilova‘s announcement on social media, the American legend has received backlash from fans for seeking privacy after she had slammed Imane Khelif for two weeks. The former Grand Slam champion, on numerous occasions, criticized Khelif for competing in the women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics, alleging she was a male boxer.

Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova (Image via Imago)

“Hopefully Martina is added to the Khelif lawsuit very soon,” a fan reacted on X. Here are some of the other reactions:

In addition, the IOC defended the right of Khelif to participate in the Paris Olympics. The athlete also filed a complaint for being a victim of online harassment during the competition.

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