AOC release statement on Imane Khelif after opponent ended boxing match within 46-seconds amid gender controversy
The Algerian Olympic Committee have responded to last night's Olympic controversial boxing match between Imane Khelif and Italian fighter Angela Carini.
The broadcasted fight lasted just 46 seconds before the 25-year-old Italian threw in the towel, claiming she'd 'never been hit so hard' as she had by her Algerian opponent.
After being punched in the nose to such an extent during the first few seconds that spectators worried it may be broken, a determined Carini returned to fight.
Less than a minute later, however, following another punch to the face, the sportswoman claimed she simply could not carry on.
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Carini subsequently burst into tears, exclaiming, 'It's not fair' before the crowds as she refused to shake her competitor's hands.
As such, last night's emotional display has since promoted vast debate amongst viewers over whether or not Khelif should have been permitted to participate in the sporting tournament.
The Algerian star was previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing gender eligibility tests due to reportedly elevated levels of testosterone.
International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev also claimed to press at the time that the DNA test showed Khelif to have the male XY chromosome.
Ahead of this year's games in the French capital, however, she, along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who'd also failed the gender eligibility test in 2023, were cleared by the Paris Boxing Unit to compete.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have since spoken out in defence of Khelif and Lin, explaining that their eligibility is based upon the gender stated on their 'passport'.
And now, the Algerian Olympic Committee has now claimed they'll support Khelif as she continues through the competition, whilst condemning 'baseless' attacks on the athlete.
"COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets," the statement reads.
"Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics.
"The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion."
The news comes just hours after Carini issued a statement of apology towards her opponent.
Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the boxer said: "All this controversy makes me sad.
"I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision."
Discussing how she ignored her opponent's outstretched hand, Carini added: "It wasn't something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else.
"I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke."
She then said that if she met Khelif again, she would 'embrace her'.
Topics: News, Olympics, Sport, Imane Khelif
Rhianna Benson