‘Don’t think it’s fair’: Imane Khelif’s next opponent makes stunning remark ahead of Olympic bout

New Delhi: Amid a social media storm over her gender identity, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has faced some scathing comments from her next opponent at the Paris Olympics 2024. Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori is set to take on Khelif in the quarter-final of the women’s 66kg boxing competition at the Paris Games on Saturday, August 03. Ahead of the bout, Hamori made some stunning claims as she protested against Khelif’s inclusion in the women’s category at the Olympics.

23-year-old Hamori, a silver medallist from the 2022 European Championship, expressed her discontent about facing Khelif in the quarter-final. Hamori called it ‘unfair’ that Khelif was allowed to fight in the women’s category but vowed that she would give her all to ensure she registers a win in the match.

“In my humble opinion, I don’t think it’s fair that this contestant can compete in the women’s category. But I cannot concern myself with that now. I cannot change it, it’s life,” said the Hungarian boxer.

“I can promise you one thing… I will do my best to win and I will fight as long as I can,” she added.

Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting are at the centre of a gender storm on social media amid their ongoing campaigns at the Paris Olympics. Both boxers failed gender identity tests at the Women’s World Championships last year and were barred from participating in the event. The eligibility tests were conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA).

The Russia-led IBA had also stripped both Khelif and Lin of their medals in women’s boxing and said they were banned to ensure fairness in the sport. While none of Khelif or Lin identifies as transgender, a higher amount of testosterone and the presence of male chromosomes led to their disqualification from the World Championships last year.

However, both boxers are competing at the Paris Olympics 2024 in the women’s category after being cleared by the IOC which considers the gender on the athlete’s passport when approving them for the Games. Nonetheless, many have questioned Khelif’s participation in women’s events, raising doubts over her actual gender.

Angela Carini apologises to Imane Khelif

After quitting her bout against Khelif inside just 46 seconds and alleging that it was ‘unfair’ on her to be put up against the Algerian in the ring, Italian boxer Angela Carini recently said that she wanted to apologise to Khelif. Carini had withdrawn from her bout against Khelif after a punch from the Algerian ‘hurt too much’ and was also seen telling her camp that the bout was ‘unfair’.

Her actions created a stir on social media as many raised questions over her gender identity with some even labelling her a ‘man’ fighting in the women’s category at the Olympics. However, Carini has now said she would like to apologise to Khelif considering she has been allowed by the IOC to fight in the women’s category.

“All this controversy makes me sad. I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision,” said the Italian.

Full Coverage of Paris Olympics 2024

Know All About Paris Olympics 2024 Players

 Amid gender row, Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori, the next opponent of Alegerian Imane Khelif, has made some sensational comments. Hamori believes its unfair to let Khelif compete in the women’s 66kg boxing category at the Paris Games.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today