Thailand’s last hope for a medal at the Olympics will encounter controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif in the women’s 66kg semi-final.
Thai boxer Janjaem Suwannapheng has secured at least a bronze medal following her victory over Busenaz Surmeneli of Turkey in the women’s 66kg quarter-final at the Paris Olympics. Janjaem won the match on points, gaining favor from four out of five judges at the North Paris Arena in Villepinte.
The 23-year-old, a two-time world championship medalist, now faces Imane Khelif, who has sparked significant debate over gender eligibility rules. Khelif reached the semi-finals by defeating Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary, another match that lasted the full three rounds.
The much-anticipated semi-final is set for 3:30 AM Thailand time on Wednesday, drawing global attention due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in the Games.
In Olympic boxing, two bronze medals are awarded to the losing semi-finalists, ensuring Janjaem will leave with hardware regardless of the outcome.
She is the last standing competitor among eight Thai boxers in Paris. Earlier on the same day, compatriot Chuthamat Raksat was eliminated after losing to Wu Yu of China in the women’s 50kg quarter-finals, with Wu winning decisively on a 5-0 scorecard. Chuthamat, 31, previously earned a silver medal at last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games.
