Two boxers who were previously disqualified for failing to meet eligibility requirements to compete in women’s matches last year will be competing in the Paris Olympics. Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting will compete for medals in the women’s 66-kilogram and women’s 57-kilogram matches. Both competitors faced controversy in 2023 when they were disqualified during the women’s world championships in New Delhi for not meeting eligibility criteria. Khelif was disqualified after a test found a high level of testosterone, leading to accusations of a conspiracy. The Algerian Olympic Committee cited medical reasons for her disqualification.
Lin’s bronze medal was stripped after failing to meet IBA eligibility criteria, causing an uproar in her camp. IBA president Umar Kremlin explained that DNA tests were used to identify athletes who tried to pass themselves off as women by having XY chromosomes. These athletes were excluded from competition. The International Olympic Committee cut ties with the International Boxing Association in 2023 due to concerns about its reliance on Russia’s Gazprom, leading to the formation of World Boxing.
Despite the controversies surrounding Khelif and Lin, they will be competing in the Paris Olympics. Khelif is set to face Italy’s Angela Carini in the round of 16, while Lin will compete against the winner of a fight between Marcelat Sakobi Matshu and Sitora Turdibekova. The matchups were noted by Reduxx and are sure to attract attention and scrutiny given the athletes’ previous disqualifications. Despite the challenges they have faced, both boxers will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the Olympic stage.
While both Khelif and Lin have faced setbacks and controversy due to their previous disqualifications, they will have the chance to compete for medals in the upcoming Paris Olympics. The boxers’ past infractions and disqualifications have not prevented them from being eligible to compete in the games, and they will have the opportunity to redeem themselves on the Olympic stage. The matchups between Khelif and Carini, as well as Lin and the winner of the fight between Matshu and Turdibekova, are sure to be closely watched and will be a test of the athletes’ skills and determination. Regardless of past controversies, the focus will be on the athletic performances of the competitors as they vie for Olympic glory.
