Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif at Center of Olympic Controversy After Opponent Withdraws

Rabat- The Olympic Games were plunged into controversy today after Italian boxer Angela Carini dramatically abandoned her bout against Algerian opponent Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the match.

The highly charged encounter, which ended in tears for Carini, has reignited the debate around gender eligibility in women’s boxing.

Khelif is an Algerian female athlete who participated in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. She was one of two boxers allowed to compete in the 2024 Olympics, despite failing gender eligibility tests at last year’s World Championships. In her face-off with her Italian counterpart she landed powerful blows early in the fight, leaving Carini visibly shaken.

The Italian boxer retreated to her corner and subsequently retired from the match, refusing to shake Khelif’s hand before breaking down in tears.

Carini revealed she withdrew after being struck harder than ever before and feared that her nose might be broken. “I was told a lot of times that I was a warrior but I preferred to stop for my health. I have never felt a punch like this.”

The athlete added, “I’m not here to judge. It’s not up to me to say if it’s fair or not fair. I just did my job.” 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni weighed in, saying: “I think that athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be admitted to women’s competitions. And not because you want to discriminate against someone, but to protect the right of female athletes to be able to compete on equal terms.”