Italy’s Angela Carini faced Algeria’s Imane Khelif in the Women’s 66kg preliminary round match, resulting in a quick abandonment by Carini after taking a few powerful punches from Khelif. Carini cited a painful nose as the reason for stopping the fight after just 46 seconds, expressing disappointment at the abrupt end to her hard work. This incident reignited the debate over Khelif and Yu-ting’s participation in the Paris Olympics, as they had previously been disqualified from events due to gender eligibility issues.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) addressed these concerns, stating that all athletes competing in the women’s category comply with competition eligibility rules and are women according to their passports. The IOC emphasized that Khelif and Yu-ting have been competing for years without sudden issues arising, despite disqualifications imposed by the International Boxing Association for failing gender eligibility tests in past events. The IOC’s more relaxed rules under the Paris 2024 Boxing unit allowed Khelif and Yu-ting to compete despite the previous disqualifications.
The International Boxing Association released a statement expressing concern over the inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by the IOC and other organizations, raising questions about competitive fairness and athlete safety. Khelif, who has faced criticism and scrutiny from foreign media, was shielded from reporters by her coaches after the fight. Despite her dominant performance in the ring, questions surrounding her eligibility continue to be a subject of debate and controversy.
Imane Khelif, a boxer from rural Algeria who overcame obstacles to pursue boxing, has drawn attention for her rapid rise in the sport. Despite initial resistance from her father and the prevailing notion that sports are not suitable for girls in her village, Khelif persevered by traveling long distances to train and selling items to support her passion. She has achieved significant success in boxing, including a gold medal at the 2022 African championships and silver at the world championships.
The debate over Khelif and Yu-ting’s eligibility echoes previous controversies involving gender equity tests, such as the case of South African runner Caster Semenya. Athletes have highlighted the safety element involved in the debate, as physical harm can result from competing against opponents with a perceived advantage. Carini, who experienced a heartbreaking end to her previous Olympic campaign, faced a challenging decision to compete against Khelif, with concerns raised about her safety in the ring.
As Yu-ting prepares to compete in the 57kg division against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova, the issues surrounding Khelif’s participation and the implications for women’s boxing remain unresolved. The emotional toll on athletes like Carini, who have worked hard for their Olympic dreams, underscores the complexities of gender eligibility in sports. The aftermath of Carini’s bout against Khelif sheds light on the ongoing debate within the boxing community and beyond, with no simple answers to the complex issues at hand.
