What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif advanced in the 66kg division at the Paris Olympics after Italian opponent Angela Carini withdrew just 46 seconds into the bout. Carini, who signaled to her corner to stop the fight, later revealed she felt intense pain and suspected she had suffered a broken nose.
Carini’s abrupt exit has reignited debate over Khelif’s participation in women’s events. Khelif was previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for failing to meet the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) eligibility criteria, which disallow athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in women’s categories. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete in Paris.
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After the match ended, the Italian boxer dropped ti her knees and burst into tears and said that she had never felt such strong blows in a context before.
Speaking after the fight, Carini said, “For me, it’s not a defeat. When you climb those ropes, you’re already a warrior, you’re already a winner. I didn’t lose tonight … I only did my job as a fighter. I didn’t make it. I’m coming out with my head held high and with a broken heart.” She emphasized the need for maturity in recognizing when to stop, adding, “It’s not giving up. It’s having the maturity to say: ‘OK, that’s enough’.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and debate over the fairness of Khelif’s participation. Elon Musk shared the post by Riley Gaines with a picture of Carini that wrote “Men don’t belong in women’s sports #IStandWithAngelaCarini” and wrote “Absolutely”
Absolutely https://t.co/twccUEOW9e
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2024
Oliver Brown, Chief Sports Writer for The Telegraph, remarked, “In a highly emotional interview, Angela Carini has just explained that she abandoned because she had never been punched so hard. Imane Khelif said nothing. And this is the issue that the IOC’s Mark Adams suggested everyone should just ‘dial down’. An absolute scandal.”
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Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss expressed her disapproval, stating, “When will this madness stop? Men cannot become women. Why is the British Government not objecting to this?” JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, added, “What will it take to end this insanity? A female boxer left with life-altering injuries? A female boxer killed?”
A young female boxer has just had everything she’s worked and trained for snatched away because you allowed a male to get in the ring with her. You’re a disgrace, your ‘safeguarding’ is a joke and #Paris24 will be forever tarnished by the brutal injustice done to Carini. https://t.co/JMKzVljpyr
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 1, 2024
Social media has been ablaze with comments and criticism. One user commented, “Today, Angela Carini had her Olympics dreams shattered by Imane Khelif, a male boxer. It is suspected that he BROKE HER NOSE. Don’t let this pass quietly. MEN SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BEAT WOMEN FOR SPORT. SAVE WOMEN’S SPORTS.”
A weak man who loves beating up women. pic.twitter.com/3PREr0VfZd
— Who Cares (@ReadyForReset) August 1, 2024
Wait. I missed something. SOMEONE thought it was an Olympic sport to have a male fight a female. Please tell me. Cause that person or persons should be PIMP SLAPPED AND PUT INTO JAIL.
— Mr X (@FrancisM911) August 1, 2024
I wonder if the man feels some sort of gratification from fighting a woman.. sad what this world has come to
— Justin Sr. 🇺🇸 (@Veritas_56) August 1, 2024
Another wrote, “A weak man who loves beating up women… The Olympics are shameful allowing Men into Boxing. Do they not understand the strength difference? Boycott these frauds.”
As the debate continues, the IOC faces growing pressure to revisit and clarify its policies on gender eligibility in women’s sports.
