PARIS, France – Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif is scheduled to compete at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, just two days after a controversial match with Angela Carini of Italy in the 66kg Woman category.
On Thursday, August 1st, Carini exited her round-of-16 bout against Khelif after only 46 seconds, following a single significant punch from the Algerian boxer. The sudden withdrawal sparked controversy, with Carini collapsing to her knees in tears and later stating that she had never been hit so hard in her career.
Khelif, 25, previously faced disqualification from the women’s World Championships in New Delhi last year due to failing a gender eligibility test. At the same event, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting was also disqualified under similar circumstances. Notably, the International Boxing Association (IBA) did not specify the reasons for the failed tests but clarified that neither athlete underwent testosterone examinations. Both Khelif and Lin, 28, do not identify as transgender or intersex.
The fallout from Khelif’s victory over Carini has drawn significant attention. Carini, speaking after the match, emphasized her resilience, saying, “For me, it’s not a defeat. When you climb those ropes, you’re already a warrior; you’re already a winner.” Despite her emotional reaction, she maintained that her decision to stop was a mature one, driven by instinct and self-preservation.
Khelif is set to fight again on Saturday, August 3rd, at 4:22 p.m. BST. Her opponent is yet to be determined, but a win would secure her a bronze medal in the 66kg category and the chance to compete for silver or gold. Meanwhile, Lin Yu-ting is scheduled to face Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova in a round-of-16 bout at 57kg on Friday, August 2nd, at 2:30 p.m. BST.
The 2023 women’s World Championships were managed by the IBA, which is no longer recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Consequently, the Paris Boxing Unit (PBU), an ad-hoc unit established by the IOC’s Executive Board, is overseeing this summer’s Olympic boxing events.
The IOC issued a statement at the start of the tournament, affirming that all participating athletes comply with the competition’s eligibility and medical regulations as stipulated by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit. The IOC emphasized efforts to maintain consistency and minimize the impact on athletes’ preparation.
As the events unfold, the boxing community remains focused on the upcoming matches and the implications of recent controversies on the sport’s integrity and athletes’ futures.
