An Italian boxer withdrew from her match at the Paris Olympics just 46 seconds into the bout on Thursday, choosing not to continue after receiving a heavy blow from her Algerian opponent, Imane Khelif.
Khelif had previously faced disqualification from last year's world championships due to concerns regarding her eligibility in women's sports.
Angela Carini, the Italian boxer, decided to step back after Khelif delivered a strong punch that hit her directly in the face. After a brief pause, Carini turned away from Khelif and walked to her corner. Her coaches promptly indicated that she would not proceed, leading the referee to halt the contest.
Following the announcement of her defeat, Carini declined to shake hands with Khelif and subsequently fell to her knees in the ring, visibly emotional.
“I am heartbroken,” she expressed to reporters afterward. “I entered the ring to honor my father. I have often been called a warrior, but I chose to prioritize my health. I have never experienced a punch like that before.”
She continued, “I stepped into the ring to compete. I didn’t surrender. However, that one punch was too painful, and I decided it was time to stop. I leave with my head held high.”
The match between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini has sparked significant controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Many critics have voiced their discontent with the organizers for permitting Khelif to compete despite her previous failed eligibility tests.
Additionally, some have argued that Khelif is indeed a woman, asserting that her elevated testosterone levels are similar to those of a few other female athletes who have participated in the games historically.
Khelif, who had previously taken part in the Tokyo Olympics, was eliminated in the initial round. The IOC confirmed that all boxers competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics have met the necessary eligibility and registration criteria, along with adhering to medical regulations.
Amidst ongoing speculation, individuals on X platform have presented proof indicating that Algerian boxer Khelif is biologically female, refuting suggestions of her being a transgender woman.
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