The Paris Olympics are surrounded by drama every day. This time Algerian boxer Imane Khelif played a role in that. Khelif forced Italy’s Angela Carini to withdraw from their preliminary match on Thursday. Nevertheless, Khelif’s next opponent is undeterred. Hungarian boxer, Anna Luca Hamori is set to compete against Khelif in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
The 2024 Paris Olympics began with several controversies right from the opening day. One of the latest controversies involves Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who claimed a significant victory over Italy’s Angela Carini after the Italian boxer quit the bout in just 46 seconds. There have been accusations of unfair play aimed at Khelif following this bout. Despite these controversies, Imane Khelif’s next opponent, Anna Luca Hamori, Hungary’s first Olympic boxer, remains unfazed.
I'm not scared... If she or he is a man, it will be bigger victory for me if I win.Anna Luca Hamori via Paris Olympics Presser
The controversy stems from Khelif’s tumultuous path to the Olympics. The Algerian boxer was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to elevated testosterone levels. Following that incident, her unexpected presence in Paris has sparked intense debate. As she faced off against Carini, the Algerian boxer’s imposing figure caused Carini to visibly struggle, eventually breaking down in tears after the bout.
The contrasting rules and regulations set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA) have contributed to widespread confusion. The IOC’s decision to part ways with the IBA has caused significant division in the boxing community. This has eventually created a complex environment for athletes such as Kheliff, Carini, and Hamori.
What did the International Olympic Committee have to say following this recent controversy?
The controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s 46-second victory at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has prompted a joint statement from the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In response to the contentious match, the IOC has provided clarification on the eligibility. They have also stated the entry regulations for the boxing tournament at the ongoing Olympics.
Despite various rumors and intense scrutiny from the public in general, the IOC has remained resolute in its stance regarding Khelif’s eligibility, objectively documenting the facts surrounding the situation. The statement revealed that the 2024 Paris Boxing Unit used the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline to develop its regulations for the ongoing showpiece event, to maintain consistency between the games.
Everyone competing in the women's category is complying with the competition eligibility rules... They are women in their passports and it's stated that this is the case that they are female..International Olympic Committee’s official statement
The Algerian boxer is facing scrutiny for her participation in the competition, but she is not alone. Another female athlete, Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan (who has male chromosomes), may also come under similar scrutiny as she has yet to compete in the Olympics. Yu-Ting is set to fight against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova in the upcoming match today.
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