Controversy Surrounds Women's Boxing in Olympics

Imane Khelif of Algeria, who faced disqualification last year for failing gender eligibility tests, has advanced in the women's boxing competition at the Paris Olympics, sparking controversy surrounding her participation. She won her opening bout against Italian Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, drawing criticism from Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who expressed concerns over fairness in the competition. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee has defended Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, stating that both athletes comply with eligibility rules despite their previous disqualifications by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The ongoing debate highlights the disparity in headgear requirements for male and female boxers, with women still mandated to wear headgear while men are not, a decision based on studies conducted only on male athletes. This situation has prompted backlash from prominent figures, including JK Rowling, who criticized the fairness of allowing athletes with male genetic traits in women's competitions. As the Paris Olympics unfold, the implications of these controversies for women's sports and athlete safety continue to be hotly debated.