Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has broken her silence following the ongoing gender controversy surrounding the boxer.

The boxer spoke to SNTV, the sports video partner of The Associated Press, on Sunday.

Khelif revealed the criticism she has received over the misconceptions of her gender “harms human dignity”.

The Algerian has asked for the bullying to end, stating she has been greatly impacted by the backlash.

“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.”