Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer at the center of a gender eligibility controversy, has advanced to the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic 66kg category after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, retired just 46 seconds into their match.
The sudden retirement of Carini, who threw in the towel in the first minute of the bout, has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her decision. However, it was not immediately clear why Carini chose to quit the fight.
Khelif’s participation in the tournament has been marred by controversy after she failed a gender eligibility test last year. Despite being disqualified from the world championships, Khelif was deemed eligible to compete in Paris.
Earlier on Thursday, the Algerian Olympic Committee came to Khelif’s defense, criticizing “unethical attacks” on the boxer. The committee’s statement highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding Khelif’s eligibility to compete in women’s events.
Khelif’s advancement to the quarter-finals has sparked renewed discussion about her participation in the tournament. As the controversy continues, Khelif remains a topic of conversation in the world of Olympic boxing.
