Amid a gender eligibility controversy at the Paris Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif emerged victorious in her first match against Italian fighter Angela Carini, lasting just 46 seconds. Khelif was declared the winner after Carini pulled out of the match, having been hit twice in the face and subsequently walking to her corner twice – once to readjust her helmet and the second for her trainers to cancel the fight.
The victory, however, was not without drama. Carini was visibly upset and crying after Khelif's hand went up in the middle of the ring, and was seen yelling at her trainers after the fight. Despite the emotional scene, Khelif will move on to the next round of the women's 66kg division.
The win comes amid a week of controversy for Khelif, who was disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships after the International Boxing Association ruled he failed gender tests due to high testosterone levels. However, the International Olympic Committee cleared Khelif to compete in the current games, and the Algerian Olympic Committee (OCA) has defended its athlete from criticism.
The COA issued a statement condemning Khelif's “unethical targeting and defamation”, calling the attacks on his personality and dignity “deeply unfair” as he prepares for the pinnacle of his career at the Olympics. The COA assured that it has taken all the necessary measures to protect its champion.
Italian officials, however, expressed concerns about Khelif's eligibility. Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi found it surprising that there are no strict uniform criteria at international level and expressed concern about the possibility of unfair and potentially dangerous competition at the Olympics, an event that symbolizes the sports equity Despite the controversy, Khelif's journey to the Olympics continues.
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