Imane Khelif: Algerian Olympic Boxer Facing Gender Eligibility Controversy

Imane Khelif, the 25-year-old Algerian Olympic boxer, is set to fight at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, just two days after her contentious match against Italy’s Angela Carini. On Thursday, August 1st, Carini forfeited her round-of-16 bout with Khelif merely 46 seconds into the fight after Khelif landed a powerful punch. This incident sparked significant debate in the boxing community.

Last year, Khelif was disqualified from the women’s World Championships in New Delhi for failing a gender eligibility test. Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting also faced disqualification at the same event for not meeting the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility standards. Despite these setbacks, both boxers are competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The IBA has not disclosed the specific reasons for the disqualifications but clarified that neither Khelif nor Lin underwent testosterone testing. Importantly, neither boxer identifies as transgender or intersex. Lin, a two-time world champion, is scheduled to compete against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova on Friday, August 2nd, in a round-of-16 bout at 57kg.

The controversy surrounding Khelif’s win over Carini intensified when Carini decided to quit after being hit by Khelif’s initial punch. Carini, visibly emotional, told her coach, “It’s not right, it’s not right,” and later expressed to reporters that she had never been hit so hard in her career.

Khelif’s upcoming fight on Saturday, August 3rd, at 4:22 pm BST could secure her a bronze medal in the 66kg category, with a chance to compete for silver or gold. Carini, reflecting on her fight with Khelif, stated, “For me, it’s not a defeat. When you climb those ropes, you’re already a warrior; you’re already a winner. Regardless of everything, it’s okay, fine like this. I didn’t lose tonight… I only did my job as a fighter.”

Carini further elaborated on her decision, emphasizing the importance of instinct and maturity in the ring. “The ring is my life. I’ve always been very instinctive, and when I feel that something isn’t right, it’s not giving up. It’s having the maturity to stop, it’s having the maturity to say: ‘OK, that’s enough.’”

Lin Yu-ting, also embroiled in the gender eligibility controversy, is another athlete to watch at Paris 2024. The 2023 women’s World Championships, organized by the IBA, were a turning point, as the IBA is no longer recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Paris Boxing Unit (PBU), created by the IOC’s Executive Board, now oversees this summer’s Olympic boxing events.

The IOC assured that all athletes at the Paris 2024 boxing tournament comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all relevant medical guidelines. The PBU has endeavored to minimize changes to ensure athletes’ preparation remains consistent.

As Khelif prepares for her next bout, the boxing world will be watching closely, eager to see how this talented and controversial athlete performs on the Olympic stage.

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