The participation of the Algerian at the Paris Olympics has been controversial after it was revealed that the fighter was previously disqualified from the World Championships last year after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test.
Yesterday’s bout with Angela Carini certainly stoked the flames after the Italian quit the fight after just 46 seconds of action.
Carini said she quit because of the pain from the opening punches.
“I felt a severe pain in my nose, and with the maturity of a boxer, I said ‘enough’ because I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to. I couldn’t finish the match.
This has led to Imane Khelif being targeted online and now the Algerian Olympic Committee have released a fresh statement defending the athlete.
MORE HERE: 🚨 Ebanie Bridges doesn’t hold anything back amid Olympic boxing gender controversy
The AOC said: “The International Olympic Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that all athletes participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games comply with the eligibility and compliance rules.
“Our team athletes, including our champion, have always adhered to these regulations in all international competitions. We strongly support our heroine and continue to defend her rights as a fair and qualified competition.”
Algeria’s Olympic Committee (COA) had earlier condemned what it called “malicious and unethical attacks directed against our distinguished athlete, Imane Khelif, by certain foreign media”.
To me this is like saying it’s okay to be on steroids
Goos thing nobody asked you.