Video Available
In a highly controversial Olympic boxing match, Imane Khelif, an Algerian competitor, faced off against Italy’s Angela Carini. The bout, which lasted a mere 46 seconds, ended dramatically when Carini, after receiving two powerful punches from Khelif, fell to her knees and cried out, “this is unjust,” before quitting the fight. The Italian boxer threw her helmet onto the floor and was visibly distressed, leading to her immediate withdrawal from the match.
Carini, a 25-year-old Italian police officer, refused to shake hands with Khelif and instead collapsed sobbing on the canvas. She later described the pain she felt from the punches as unlike anything she had experienced before. Despite her emotional exit, Carini clarified that her decision to leave the ring was not a protest against Khelif’s inclusion but rather due to the intense pain she felt, which made it impossible for her to continue.
The controversy surrounding the fight intensified as it emerged that Khelif had previously been banned from a major boxing event after failing gender qualification tests related to testosterone levels. Despite this, Khelif was allowed to compete in the Olympics, a decision that has drawn significant backlash from various quarters. The referee raised Khelif’s hand in victory, but Carini, enraged, yanked her hand away from the official and exited the ring.
The aftermath saw a wave of criticism directed at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its policies. Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Olympic champion Sharron Davies were among those condemning the IOC’s decision, arguing that it set a dangerous precedent. Author J.K. Rowling also voiced strong objections, calling the situation “insanity.”
Khelif’s victory was celebrated by the Algerian Boxing Federation, which highlighted her rapid win over Carini. The Algerian boxer herself expressed hope for further success in the tournament, stating, “God willing, this was the first victory. God is willing me to the golden one.”
Carini was taken for a medical assessment to evaluate her injuries, which included a bruised nose. Her coach mentioned concerns about the severity of the injury and noted that there had been attempts to persuade her not to fight Khelif due to concerns about her opponent’s physical advantage.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, with various stakeholders raising questions about fairness and regulations. The IOC has defended its decision, stating that Khelif met the eligibility criteria. Meanwhile, other boxers and sports figures have voiced their concerns, highlighting the ongoing controversy over gender and competition in sports.
This match also coincides with other instances of debate in the boxing world, such as the disqualification of Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan for similar gender eligibility issues. The discussion reflects ongoing tensions and challenges in addressing gender identity in competitive sports.
