The Paris Olympics has been marred by controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s participation. Khelif, who was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to unspecified eligibility test results, has been cleared to compete in the Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC’s decision to allow Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who faced similar issues, has sparked intense debate. The IBA defends its disqualification as a matter of safety and eligibility, while the IOC argues that both athletes meet the criteria for female competition.
The controversy intensified following Khelif’s swift victory over Italian opponent Angela Carini, who claimed she had to stop the fight for her own safety. Khelif’s father defended his daughter’s win as a showcase of her skill and strength.
IOC President Thomas Bach has strongly supported Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, emphasizing that both athletes are biologically and legally classified as women. Bach criticized the surrounding “hate speech” and stressed the importance of respecting the athletes.
“This is not a transgender issue,” Bach said. “We have two boxers who are women by all definitions. Respect them as such.” Carini later apologized for her post-fight remarks, acknowledging the IOC’s authority.
The IBA criticized the IOC’s approach as inconsistent and pledged to award Carini the prize money she would have earned if she had won gold. IBA President Umar Kremlev expressed concern for the athletes’ safety and questioned why the IBA’s decisions were disregarded.
Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, both seasoned international competitors, have faced setbacks due to the IBA’s disqualification, overshadowing their athletic accomplishments. As the debate over gender eligibility continues, the IOC maintains that Khelif and Lin meet the established criteria for female athletes, underscoring the ongoing complexities in sports governance.
