Controversy Surrounds Imane Khelif’s Olympic Boxing Victory

Algeria's Imane Khelif won her Olympic boxing bout against Italy's Angela Carini, who quit after 46 seconds. Khelif's participation is controversial due to a failed gender eligibility test. The Algerian Olympic Committee condemned negative media coverage of Khelif, calling it baseless propaganda.

Algeria's Imane Khelif triumphed in her opening Olympic boxing match on Thursday, securing victory after Italy's Angela Carini exited the bout just 46 seconds in.

Khelif has become a polarizing figure due to her disqualification from the 2023 world championships following a failed gender eligibility test. This has spurred debate over her participation in the Paris Olympics.

In a highly unusual Olympic boxing scenario, Carini quit after a brief exchange of punches, her headgear dislodging twice before the decisive moment. She showed visible distress, refusing to shake Khelif's hand and leaving the ring in tears.

Khelif, a seasoned amateur boxer and silver medalist at the 2022 World Championships, entered the North Paris Arena to cheers, though the bout's abrupt conclusion puzzled the audience.

A similar controversy surrounds Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, with both athletes facing scrutiny despite their amateur accolades. Lin was stripped of a bronze medal by the International Boxing Association last year, citing biochemical eligibility issues.

The Algerian Olympic Committee has staunchly defended Khelif, issuing a statement on Wednesday that decried alleged misinformation and unethical attacks from certain foreign media outlets.

(With inputs from agencies.)