International Olympic Committee speaks out after controversy over boxer Imane Khelif: ‘Everyone has the right to practice sport without discrimination’

The Algerian boxer Imane Khelifwhose presence in Paris-2024 sparked controversy for failing a gender test in 2023, advanced to the quarterfinals on Thursday after her rival retired 46 seconds into the fight.

The Italian Angela Carini Carini decided to quit after receiving a right hook to the face from Khelif. After taking the blow, Carini raised his arm and went to his corner to speak to the trainer, who announced his withdrawal with his hands to the referee.

The judge called both fighters to the centre of the ring and declared Khelif the winner of the welterweight bout (63.5-66.6kg) as Carini fell to her knees in tears. Khelif’s presence at the tournament has drawn criticism, including from some female boxers, after she was disqualified from last year’s world championships for failing a gender eligibility test.

IOC Statement

The issue has generated many reactions and impact on social media. On Thursday afternoon, the International Olympic Committee itself spoke out in defense of the athlete.

“Everyone has the right to practice sport without discrimination,” reads the headline of the statement.

“All athletes participating in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games comply with the competition eligibility and registration rules, as well as all applicable medical regulations set out by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit. As in Olympic boxing competitions, athletes’ gender and age are based on their passport,” it explains.

“We have seen misleading information regarding two female athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Games. Both have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games…”, the IOC added.

“These two athletes were victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the 2023 IBA World Championships, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process,” the IOC and Paris 2024 added in the statement.

“The minutes also say that the IBA should establish a clear procedure on gender testing,” they add.

“The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes… The IOC is saddened by the abuses that the two athletes are receiving,” it said.

“I am not one to judge or make a decision. If this woman is here, there must be a reason,” Carini said in another intervention reported by the Ansa agency. Present in Paris, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni considered that the fight “was not on equal terms.” “I do not agree with the IOC,” Meloni said during a meeting with Italian athletes. “I believe that athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be admitted to women’s competitions.”

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