Paris Olympic Games have caught another scandal where an Algerian boxer, Iman Khalif who was referred to as a “biological male,” in women’s boxing defeated Italian Angela Carini in just 46 seconds on Thursday night. The company has recently been mentioned in discussions with Elon Musk and JK Rowling.
The storm of outrage
After winning the bout, Khalif became a hot topic on social media platforms.
Also joining the discussion were British author, JK Rowling and billionaire Elon Musk, who questioned the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow Khalif compete.
Rowling wrote: “Is there any image that better sums up our new men’s rights movement? He smirks like a man who knows he can get away with anything because he is protected by a misogynistic sports establishment. It’s the grin of someone who punched this woman in her head right before her life aspirations were destroyed.” That happened to Mr.X.”
Elon Musk replied to a tweet made by Riley Gaines as follows: “Men don’t belong in women’s sports and I am going with Angela Carini for making it go viral.” “Of course,” responded Musk.
Background of controversy
In addition to this year’s disqualification from the women’s championships 2023 for breaking rules laid down by International Boxing Association (IBA) banning competitors with XY chromosomes from male gender from participating at female games, came after she had previously been disqualified from competing last season.
However, following last year’s withdrawal of recognition of IBA by IOC which resulted into its suspension immediately afterwards; both Khalif and Taiwan double world champion Lin Yuting were allowed to take part in Olympics’ competitions held in France.
IOC response
In response to public uproar, it released a statement supporting participation of Khalif saying that. “All boxers taking part at Paris 2024 comply with eligibility and participation requirements set out by the competition.” Also “All such boxers will comply with the relevant medical regulations established by Paris 2024. The governing body for boxing at these Olympics is the Professional Boxing Unit (PBU).”
According to the IOC, last year’s actions by International Sports Federations. Which resulted in expulsion of some athletes were arbitrary and lacked due process. In addition, the International Olympic Committee has stated that. These participants have been involved in elite-level competition for many years, scoring points against the International Badminton Federation.
The IOC also added: “We saw false information regarding participation of two female athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.” “This arbitrariness provoked an attack on both women as a result of this decision being made without any proper steps.”
It has prompted larger discussions about inclusion and eligibility criteria within women’s sports. Despite its commitment to protecting all human rights of all athletes, this incident showcases continued tensions and competitions’ fairness.
