Imane Khelif to miss 2026 Mediterranean Games

Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif will not participate in the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. Although her name was initially included in the Algerian delegation, she has not traveled with the team.

Khelif stated she was surprised to see her name on the list, noting that she received “no official summons or communication” from either the Algerian Olympic Committee or the Algerian Boxing Federation. She further clarified that she was not contacted to develop a specific training program for the event and had previously requested support or a grant to prepare for the competition, to which she received no response.

Other reports suggest her absence is due to a lack of preparation, as she has not competed in an official international tournament since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Despite the situation, Khelif reaffirmed her commitment to representing Algeria, stating that wearing the national colors remains a great honor and responsibility.