Imane Khelif’s entrance into the 2024 Paris Olympics is stirring up more controversy than ever. The Algerian boxer’s first fight has only intensified the already heated debate about her participation, which was marred by gender eligibility issues at the 2023 World Championships.
On Thursday, Khelif, who has been a focal point of contention, ended her opening-round bout with Italian boxer Angela Carini in a mere 46 seconds. Khelif’s swift and aggressive performance left Carini visibly distressed and forced her to withdraw from the match. The Italian fighter, clearly shaken, was seen crying and expressing her frustration at the referee and her corner. “This is unjust,” Carini exclaimed, slamming her headgear on the canvas before leaving the ring.
Carini, who was seen refusing a handshake from Khelif, later spoke to reporters through tears. She described the fight as unbearable, citing an intense pain in her nose after just a minute in the ring. “I’ve never taken a punch like that,” she said. “I didn’t give up willingly, but the pain was too much.”
Carini’s coach, Emanuel Renzini, revealed that there were warnings about the fight’s risks. “Many people in Italy tried to warn her: ‘Don’t go, it’s dangerous,’” Renzini said, referring to the concerns over Khelif’s eligibility and physicality.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has come under fire for allowing Khelif, 25, and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting to compete in Paris despite their disqualification from the 2023 World Championships. The IOC has defended their decision, stating that all athletes comply with eligibility and medical regulations. However, the controversy reflects ongoing tensions with the International Boxing Association (IBA) over governance and funding issues.
Khelif, who failed gender eligibility tests in 2023 due to elevated testosterone levels, has been a controversial figure since. Despite the disqualification, the IOC has confirmed her participation in Paris, arguing that the competition rules have remained consistent with past Games.
The situation has drawn global criticism, including from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who expressed deep regret over Carini’s withdrawal. “It’s disappointing,” Meloni said. “The dedication and character are important, but being able to compete on equal grounds is crucial. From my perspective, this was not an even contest.”
Khelif is set to face Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Hamori, who decisively won her opening match against Australia’s Marissa Williamson Pohlman, remains unfazed by the controversy. “I’m not scared,” she said. “If Khelif is a man, it will make my victory even more significant.”
As the Olympic Games approach, the debate over Khelif’s participation continues to rage, reflecting broader concerns about fairness and integrity in sports. The IOC’s handling of the situation, along with the fallout from past controversies, remains a hot topic among athletes, officials, and fans alike.
