A recent women’s boxing match at the Paris Olympics has sparked a gender controversy, drawing reactions from prominent figures and raising questions about gender eligibility in sports.
Key Incident
- Match Details:
- Fighter: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif
- Opponent: Italian boxer Angela Carini
- Category: 66 kg women’s boxing
- Outcome: Khelif knocked out Carini in 46 seconds
- Controversy:
- Gender Eligibility: Khelif had failed a gender eligibility test last year
- Reaction: Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni criticized the match as “not on an equal footing”
Reactions and Statements
- Angela Carini:
- Collapsed and sobbed in the ring after the defeat
- Did not shake hands with Khelif
- Stated, “I have a big pain in my nose and I said, ‘Stop’. It’s better to avoid keeping going.”
- Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni:
- Criticized the match, stating, “Athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be admitted to women’s competitions.”
- Emphasized the importance of fair competition
- JK Rowling:
- Commented on the gender row, questioning the fairness of the match
- UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem:
- Supported Carini’s decision to prioritize her safety
- Condemned the exposure of female athletes to “physical and psychological violence based on their sex”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed two boxers, including Imane Khelif, to compete in the Paris Olympics despite failing gender eligibility tests for the World Boxing Championships. Last year, Khelif was disqualified before a gold medal match due to high testosterone levels. Similarly, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting lost her bronze medal for not meeting the gender criteria. Umar Kremlev, President of Amateur Boxing, confirmed that DNA tests showed the boxers had XY chromosomes, further fueling the controversy. This incident has reignited the debate on gender eligibility in sports, with many calling for clearer guidelines to ensure fair competition and protect the rights of all athletes.
