An Algerian boxer embroiled in a gender eligibility controversy at the Paris Olympics secured victory in her first match against an Italian opponent in just 46 seconds on Thursday.
Imane Khelif claimed the win after Angela Carini withdrew from the match. Carini received two punches to the face and walked to her corner twice: first for headgear adjustments and later to have her coaches stop the bout.
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Algeria’s Imane Khelif, right, triumphed over Italy’s Angela Carini in their women’s 66kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Carini was visibly emotional after Khelif’s victory was announced. The Italian boxer appeared distressed and was seen expressing frustration towards her coaches after the match concluded.
Khelif will advance to the subsequent round of the women’s 66-kilogram division, but this win has unfolded during a week filled with controversy.
The Algerian athlete was disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships after the International Boxing Association found her to have elevated testosterone levels.
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Algeria’s Imane Khelif, left, competed against Italy’s Angela Carini in their women’s 66kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The International Olympic Committee has permitted Khelif to participate, while the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) defended her against allegations prior to the bout.
“The COA unequivocally denounces the unethical targeting and defamation aimed at our distinguished athlete, Imane Khelif, by certain foreign media outlets,” the organization stated, as reported by Reuters.
“Such assaults on her character and dignity are profoundly unjust, particularly as she prepares for the height of her career at the Olympics. The COA has implemented all necessary protections for our champion.”
Concerns about Khelif’s eligibility have been raised by Italian officials.
Algeria’s Imane Khelif, left, competes against Italy’s Angela Carini in their women’s 66kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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“It is unexpected that there are no consistent, strict, universal criteria at the international level,” remarked Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. He added that it’s peculiar that “there exists a suspicion, and more than a suspicion, of unfairness and possible dangers in a competition among Olympic contenders, an event that epitomizes sporting integrity.”
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