Controversy Erupts as Imane Khelif Wins Olympic Boxing Bout in Paris

Imane Khelif of Algeria won her initial Olympic bout when her opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, withdrew after just 46 seconds. The match became a contentious issue due to Khelif’s previous disqualification for failing a gender eligibility test. The controversy continues to raise questions about eligibility in women's sports.

Imane Khelif of Algeria won her opening Olympic boxing bout on Thursday when Angela Carini of Italy quit after just 46 seconds of the match.

Khelif's participation has become a divisive issue following her disqualification from the 2023 world championships due to an unspecified gender eligibility failure.

Carini exited the bout after both athletes exchanged a few punches. The abrupt end — quite rare in Olympic boxing — left the crowd baffled. Carini later revealed she withdrew because of intense nose pain but denied making a political statement against Khelif.

(With inputs from agencies.)