Imane Khelif and Angela Carini

In a dramatic turn at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Italian boxer Angela Carini quit her match against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif just 46 seconds in, reportedly overwhelmed after receiving heavy punches. This bout was already steeped in controversy due to Khelif's previous disqualification from the 2023 world championships over gender eligibility rules, raising significant questions about fairness in women's sports. Carini, visibly distressed and heard saying that it 'hurt so much', fell to her knees post-fight and did not acknowledge Khelif, highlighting the emotional toll of the match. Despite the uproar, the International Olympic Committee confirmed Khelif's eligibility based on her testosterone levels, igniting further debate on participation criteria for intersex athletes. The incident has polarized opinions, with mixed reactions from sporting officials and the public regarding the implications for competitive fairness and inclusion. The Algerian Olympic Committee defended Khelif against what it termed misinformation from foreign media.