Yesterday, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif made a powerful statement in her Olympic debut, defeating Italian opponent Angela Carini in a women's 66kg preliminary match. However, the victory was overshadowed by questions surrounding Khelif's eligibility to compete in the women's category.
Khelif, who has been competing as a woman for years, was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test. Reports suggest that the test results indicated Khelif had "competitive advantages over other female competitors." Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed Khelif to participate in the Olympic Games, stating that she meets the competition's eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations.
The controversy has sparked heated debates about the fairness of allowing Khelif to compete in the women's category. Critics argue that her presence in the ring puts her opponents at a disadvantage, while others question the IOC's decision to allow her to compete despite the disqualification from the World Championships.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni weighed in on the issue, stating, "We have to pay attention, in an attempt to not discriminate, that we're actually discriminating against women."
The International Boxing Association (IBA), which is not involved in the organization of the Olympics, released a statement questioning why Khelif has been allowed to compete in Paris.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the IOC will address the concerns raised by the IBA and the public. For now, Imane Khelif's Olympic journey continues, with her next match scheduled for Saturday in the women's 66kg quarterfinals.
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