Imane Khelif won a match at the ongoing Olympics defeating her rival Angela Carini who was reduced to tears just 46seconds into the bout.
Carini’s feelings were articulated after the fight saying, “I went into the ring to fight, I did not quit, but the punch was very painful so I stopped… I am leaving with my head held high.”
Past Disqualification Sparks Debate
”The participation of Khelif in the Olympics has not been without controversy. She was disqualified in the World Championships held in New Delhi in 2023, a few hours before her gold medal fight against China’s Yang Liu.
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. https://t.co/i5GMdgWrwb
— Hazel Appleyard (@HazelAppleyard_) August 1, 2024
This disqualification was as a result of high testosterone levels that were not within the requisite standards.
Allegations of Conspiracy and Medical Reasons
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) alleged that Khelif was disqualified with an intention of ensuring the COA does not clinch the gold.
They blamed her high levels of testosterone to “medical conditions. ” Lin Yu-Ting of Taiwan was also disqualified from the World Championships.
In a previous report from Sportsbuddy, Brazilian football star Zico was mugged in Paris.
The 71-year-old who flew to France to watch the Games lost a lot of money after his briefcase containing jewels and cash valued at £420,000 was stolen.
Difference of Sexual Development (DSD) and IBA’s Response
As stated by the feminist website Reduxx, both athletes are believed to have a Difference of Sexual Development (DSD), a state where genitalia are not typical for given chromosomes.
The IBA explained that the disqualification decisions were made “after a careful consideration” and stressed that no pre-competition testosterone tests were conducted on any of the athletes, but they were subjected to a different and recognized test during the World Championships in 2022 and 2023.
Such controversy still draws reactions from different corners, showcasing the interconnection between athletic rules and disorders in sports competitions.
