Golden girl Khelif 'a locomotive' driving Algerian women's boxing

AZAZGA, Algeria — In a gym in northern Algeria's Kabylia region, 15-year-old Cerine Kessal drives her fists into a punching bag. The two-time national champion is dreaming of greater feats after Algerian Imane Khelif won Olympic gold last year.

Khelif's victory generated newfound interest among Algerian girls and women in the male-dominated sport, with gyms across the North African country witnessing a surge in memberships.

She emerged from the Paris Olympics as a trailblazer for aspiring women athletes in Algeria, despite a gender controversy over her eligibility.