Gender controversy in Paris Olympics: Italian boxer Angela Carini who lost to Imane Khelif to be awarded prize money

Italy boxer Angela Carini withdrew from her welterweight round-of-16 bout against Algerian Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics. The match lasted only 46 seconds and it witnessed Carini overwhelmed by Khelif’s aggressive punches, leading to her early exit.

However, the International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced that it would award Carini $50,000 in prize money.

The IBA, stripped of its international recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year, also stated that Carini’s federation and coach would receive $25,000 each.

“I couldn’t look at her tears. I am not indifferent to such situations. I can assure that we will protect each boxer. I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing. Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety,” said IBA President.

Notably, the incident has ignited controversy over gender eligibility in sports. Khelif, alongside Taiwan’s double world champion Lin Yu-ting, was cleared to compete in Paris despite both athletes being disqualified at the 2023 World Championships for failing the IBA’s eligibility rules. These rules prohibit athletes with male XY chromosomes from competing in women’s events.