The hotly-anticipated welterweight fight at the Paris Olympics between Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Italy’s Angela Carini ended after just 46 seconds when Carini was unable to continue following a forceful punch to her nose. There has been significant attention on Khelif following her ejection from the 2023 World Championships’ title match due to violation of the International Boxing Association (IBA) eligibility restrictions that bar those with XY chromosomes from participating in women’s events.
However, Khelif was given the green light to compete in the Paris Olympics, managed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This decision was made after the IOC withdrew IBA’s international recognition last year due to issues involving governance and finance.
Cheered on by a roaring crowd brandishing Algerian flags, Khelif made her entrance into the crowded North Paris venue. Carini, despite her efforts, was unable to match Khelif’s agility and superior reach. After just 30 seconds, Carini sought her coach’s aid to adjust her headgear. The fight briefly resumed, but after receiving another punch, Carini retreated to her corner and promptly exited the ring.
A tearful Carini later confessed, “I have always fought honourably for my country. This time I failed because I simply couldn’t continue the fight. I called off the match after feeling an intense pain in my nose from the second hit. I came to the realisation that it was better to end the match.”
While Carini was still emotional, she was then escorted away from the reporters. Testosterone levels for athletes participating in women’s sports have been restricted in certain disciplines, while others have prohibited individuals who have experienced male puberty. The IOC now oversees boxing after the termination of IBA’s recognition, and while it has not modified eligibility rules, it implements those utilised in prior Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has opened the door for Khelif and the two-time world champion from Taiwan, Lin Yu-ting, to participate in the Games. Lin Yu-ting had her bronze medal stripped away at last year’s World Championships because she didn’t meet the necessary requirements. Mark Adams, spokesperson for the IOC, emphasised that these situations impact genuine lives. He expressed on Thursday that they have constantly competed in women’s contests, experiencing both victories and loss against other female competitors over time.