Paris Olympics 2024: IOC responds after boxer Carini withdraws from Khelif fight | BBC News

Summary

The Algerian boxer Iman Khelif has sparked controversy after advancing to the quarterfinals in the women's 66-kilo category, following her Italian opponent Angela Kini's quick withdrawal due to a punch she described as the hardest she'd ever taken. Khelif, previously disqualified for failing a gender eligibility test, has been cleared to compete amidst ongoing debates on inclusivity, fairness, and athlete safety. The IOC and the UK's Culture Secretary have weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the complexity of such decisions and the need for balance in sports.

Takeaways

• 🥊 Algerian boxer Iman Khelif has advanced to the quarterfinals in the women's 66-kilo category after her opponent, Italy's Angela Kini, abandoned the bout in 46 seconds.
• 😢 Angela Kini was in tears and stated that it was the hardest punch she had ever taken, claiming she stopped the fight to preserve her life.
• 🚫 Iman Khelif was one of two athletes cleared to compete in Paris despite being disqualified from the previous year's World Boxing Championships for failing a gender eligibility test.
• 🤔 The IOC spokesperson addressed the controversy, highlighting the balance between inclusivity, fairness, and safety, and the stigmatization of a woman boxer.
• 💻 There is a significant amount of online abuse and misinformation regarding the situation, which the IOC is monitoring closely.
• 🏆 The IOC emphasizes that athlete safety is their primary concern and that safeguards, especially in combat sports like boxing, are in place to ensure this.
• 📢 The BBC interviewed Culture Secretary Leisa Andy, who expressed discomfort with the match and acknowledged the complexity of decisions regarding inclusion and fairness in sports.
• 🤝 Secretary Andy plans to engage with sporting bodies to ensure they have the right guidance and support to make balanced decisions.
• 🗣️ The IOC spokesperson was asked for a response to Andy's comments but refrained from directly commenting on her views, focusing instead on the brevity of the match.
• 🏅 The match has sparked discussions about the balance between inclusion, fairness, and safety in sports, particularly in combat disciplines like boxing.
• 🔍 The situation has highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of biological complexities in sports, beyond what is presented on social media and speculation.

Q & A

What is the controversy surrounding the Algerian boxer Iman Khelif?

Iman Khelif has been involved in a growing controversy due to her advancement to the quarterfinals of the women's 66-kilo category after her opponent, Angela Kini, abandoned the bout in 46 seconds, claiming it was the hardest punch she had ever taken and that she stopped the fight to preserve her life.

Why was Angela Kini in tears after the match with Iman Khelif?

Angela Kini was in tears because she felt she had taken an extremely hard punch to the face and believed that continuing the fight would have been a risk to her life.

What is the background of Iman Khelif's participation in the competition?

Iman Khelif is one of two athletes who was cleared to compete in Paris despite being disqualified from last year's World Boxing championships for failing to pass a gender eligibility test.

What has the IOC spokesperson said about the situation involving Iman Khelif?

The IOC spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the case and the amount of online abuse and misinformation. They emphasized the IOC's commitment to balance inclusivity, fairness, and safety, and noted that the situation with Khelif is separate from the broader issue of athlete safety.

How did the IOC spokesperson describe the balance the IOC is trying to achieve?

The IOC spokesperson described the balance as one between inclusivity and fairness, with a broader consideration of safety, which they acknowledged is a difficult task.

What was the BBC's discussion with the culture secretary Leisa Andy about?

The BBC discussed the controversial boxing match between Italy and Algeria, where Angela Kini stopped the match to preserve her life, and the subsequent comments by Italy's PM Georgia Maloney about it not being an even contest.

What was Leisa Andy's response to the controversy?

Leisa Andy found the match uncomfortable to watch and expressed concern about the balance between inclusion, fairness, and safety in women's sports. She mentioned that the government has a role in providing guidance and support for sporting bodies to make complex decisions correctly.

What does Leisa Andy plan to do in response to the situation?

Leisa Andy plans to talk to sporting bodies over the coming weeks and months to ensure they have the correct guidance, framework, and support to make decisions regarding inclusion, fairness, and safety.

How did the IOC spokesperson respond to Leisa Andy's comments?

The IOC spokesperson stated that their personal views on the matter were not relevant and that they could not comment on how Leisa Andy should feel. They described the match as a qualifying one between two women boxers and noted that it was over too quickly.

What is the main concern expressed by the IOC spokesperson regarding the athletes?

The main concern expressed by the IOC spokesperson is the safety of the athletes, emphasizing that they are at the center of all considerations and that safeguards, especially in combat sports like boxing, are crucial to ensure their well-being.

What is the broader issue being discussed in the script related to sports and gender?

The broader issue discussed is the challenge of achieving a balance between inclusion and fairness in sports, especially in the context of gender eligibility and the safety of female athletes.