Italian PM Criticizes Controversial Olympic Boxing Match

The Olympic boxing match between Algeria's Imane Khelif and Italy's Angela Carini has sparked significant controversy after Carini withdrew just 46 seconds into the fight, citing pain and unfairness. Carini's coach revealed concerns for her safety prior to the match, as Khelif had previously been disqualified from women's competitions due to failing gender eligibility tests linked to her XY chromosomes and high testosterone levels. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the decision to allow Khelif to compete, arguing that it compromised fairness in women's sports and echoed sentiments that female athletes should compete on equal terms. Despite the IOC defending Khelif's eligibility, the incident has reignited debates over the inclusion of transgender and intersex athletes in women's categories. Carini expressed her distress after the fight, stating, 'It’s not fair' and highlighting her emotional struggle. The backlash against the IOC's policies continues as more voices join the conversation about athlete safety and fairness in competition.