Italy’s Angela Carini abandoned her Olympic bout against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif just 46 seconds into the match, stating, “I had to preserve my life.” Khelif is among two athletes cleared to compete in women’s boxing at the Paris Games after being disqualified from the previous year’s Women’s World Championships due to eligibility issues.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualified Khelif from the Championships for elevated levels of testosterone. Following a bye in the first round at the Olympics, the 25-year-old entered Arena Paris Nord to a warm welcome from many Algerian supporters.
Brief Encounter
In the short bout, Carini was struck in the face within the first 30 seconds, prompting her to go to her corner for equipment adjustments. After briefly returning to the match, she again went back to her corner and ultimately stopped the fight. Just before the referee raised Khelif’s hand in victory, Carini was heard saying, “It’s not right.” She was visibly emotional both in the ring and during her post-fight media interactions.
“I wasn’t able to finish the match. I felt a strong pain in my nose, and I thought about my experience and maturity,” Carini told BBC Sport. “It could have been the match of a lifetime, but I had to preserve my life at that moment. I don’t fear the ring or taking punches, but I put an end to this match because I wasn’t able to continue.”
Reactions and Aftermath
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed Carini’s sentiments, saying, “It matters to be able to compete on equal grounds, and from my point of view, it was not an even contest.” Carini expressed her goodwill for Khelif, saying, “I wish her to carry on and be happy. I’m not here to judge anyone.”
Khelif, who has experienced nine losses in her 50-fight career, stated, “I’m here for the gold – I fight everybody.” The day following the match, Algeria’s Olympic Committee condemned the “baseless” attacks on Khelif’s eligibility.
Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who was stripped of a bronze medal at last year’s World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test, is set to compete in Paris on Friday. The IOC affirmed that all boxers in the Paris Games “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations.”
IBA Responds
The disqualifications of Khelif and Lin stemmed from the 2023 World Championships organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA). After losing its status as the official governing body for boxing, the IBA stated that both athletes were disqualified “to uphold the level of fairness and utmost integrity of the competition.”
According to IBA chief executive Chris Roberts, the disqualifications were due to “ongoing concerns” identified by the medical committee. He stated that both athletes did not meet the necessary eligibility criteria to compete as females.
IOC’s Criticism
In a statement, the IOC criticized the IBA’s decisions, labeling them “sudden and arbitrary,” and pointed out the lack of due process involved in the disqualifications. They highlighted that Khelif and Lin had competed at high levels for years prior to their removal.
Looking Ahead
Khelif is set to face Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the quarter-finals for the 66kg category on Saturday, with another victory guaranteeing her an Olympic medal. Hamori stated, “My mentality is never to give up. [Carini’s abandonment] is her choice. I can promise I will fight to the end.”
“I don’t know what the truth is. I don’t care. I just want to win,” she added, setting the stage for an intriguing upcoming bout.
Credit: BBC Sport
