Olympic Boxing Match Sparks Political Controversy After Algerian Boxer’s Knockout.

(Delhi)In a dramatic turn of events at the Olympics, a women’s welterweight (66kg) boxing match between Italy’s Angela Carini and Algeria’s Imane Khelif has ignited a politically charged controversy. The bout, which took place in the opening round, ended abruptly when Carini, 46 seconds into the first round, was struck by a powerful right hand from Khelif. The force of the punch led Carini to abandon the fight, visibly distressed and in tears. In the ring, she refused to shake hands with Khelif, expressing her belief that her safety was compromised and exclaiming, “it’s not right!”

The incident has sparked widespread discussion, with Carini reportedly expressing her regret in subsequent statements. According to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Carini later issued an apology to Khelif and indicated her intention to make amends by embracing her in the future.

The controversy is compounded by the background of Imane Khelif, who has been at the center of a contentious debate regarding her participation in women’s boxing. Khelif, who has consistently competed as a female and lived as one, previously competed in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics but was eliminated in the quarter-finals. The International Boxing Association (IBA) has yet to clarify the specifics of the testing Khelif underwent, citing privacy concerns. The IBA has confirmed that the tests did not include a testosterone examination but rather a “separate and recognised” test, asserting that both Khelif and Carini had a “competitive advantage.”

Adding fuel to the fire, the head of the IBA was reported by Russian media to have stated that Khelif and another athlete had tested positive for XY chromosomes, typically associated with male physiology. This revelation has intensified scrutiny and debate over Khelif’s eligibility and the fairness of her participation in women’s events.

The incident has not only drawn attention to the rules and regulations governing athlete eligibility but also highlighted the broader societal and political issues surrounding gender and sports. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the policies of sporting bodies and the broader Olympic community.

The clash between Carini and Khelif, and the subsequent fallout, underscores the need for clear and fair guidelines in sports, particularly in addressing the complex issues of gender and competitive fairness.