Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the fairness of the Paris Olympics match between Italy’s Angela Carini and Algeria’s Imane Khelif, who was found to have male chromosomes.
Carini quit the fight in 46 seconds after being punched in the face twice. One punch made her return to her corner to adjust her headgear.
Prime Minister Meloni commented on the fight afterward.
“I believe that athletes with male genetic characteristics should not be allowed in women’s competitions,” Meloni said, via The Telegraph. “This is not to discriminate but to ensure that female athletes can compete on equal terms.
“I regret Carini’s withdrawal even more. I was emotional when she wrote ‘I will fight’ because dedication, mindset, and character are significant in these situations.
“But competing on equal grounds is crucial, and from my perspective, it wasn’t an even contest.”
Carini was emotional after the fight and called it unfair when speaking to reporters.
“I got into the ring to fight,” she said via Italy’s ANSA. “I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much, so I said enough.
“I’m leaving with my head held high.”
Carini’s coach, Emanuele Renzini, said quitting was not pre-planned.
“It would have been easier not to show up, as many in Italy had been asking her not to fight,” Renzini said. “But Angela was motivated and wanted to fight.
“When she saw her opponent at the draw, she said ‘it’s not fair.’ But there was no premeditation today. She quit after one punch, telling me she couldn’t continue.”
Khelif was disqualified during the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for failing to meet gender eligibility standards, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting.
IBA President Umar Kremlev explained the decision, stating that some athletes tried to pose as women but were found to have XY chromosomes. Kremlev said, “Based on DNA tests, we identified athletes trying to trick their colleagues. These athletes were excluded from competition.”
Both Khelif and the Algerian Olympic Committee denied the claims and the International Olympic Committee cleared Khelif to compete in the Games.
The IBA issued a statement on the matter on Wednesday.
“On 24 March 2023, IBA disqualified athletes Lin Yu-Ting and Imane Khelif from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi 2023,” the organization stated. “This disqualification was due to their failure to meet the eligibility criteria for the women’s competition, as set out in the IBA Regulations. This decision was vital to maintain the fairness and integrity of the competition.
“The athletes did not undergo a testosterone examination but a separate recognized test, the specifics of which remain confidential. This test indicated that both athletes had competitive advantages over other female competitors.”
The IBA also criticized the IOC for allowing Khelif and Lin to compete in the Olympics.
“Our Committees thoroughly reviewed and endorsed the decision made during the World Championships. While the IBA remains dedicated to ensuring competitive fairness, we are concerned about the inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by other sports organizations, including those overseeing the Olympic Games.
“The IOC’s differing regulations on these matters, which do not involve the IBA, raise serious questions about competitive fairness and athlete safety.”
This is not the first scandal of the 2024 Olympics. The opening ceremony of the Olympics was heavily criticized for allegedly mocking Christians by portraying drag queens at Jesus’ Last Supper. In addition, the IOC faced backlash for allowing a convicted child rapist – Dutch Volleyballer Steven Van De Velde – to compete in the Olympics.
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