International Boxing Association offers prize money to Angela Carini amid gender row at Olympics

New Delhi: The disbanded International Boxing Association (IBA) has backed Italian boxer Angela Carini after she withdrew from her pre-quarterfinal in women’s 66kg category against Algeria’s Imane Khelif. The 25-year-old Carini suffered a couple of blows from the Algerian in their bout, which only lasted for 46 seconds.

Carini was seen in tears following the withdrawal and didn’t even shook hands with her opponent. This 46-second bout sparked a new controversy of the Paris Olympics 2024. Imane Khelif, who has been competing in women’s events for a while including her participation in Tokyo Olympics, was accused of being a ‘biological male’.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that all boxers participating in this Summer Games have complied to the eligibility and entry rules. However, the IBA, which was suspended by the IOC last year for plenty of irregularities, has offered a prize money for Carini considering her as an Olympic champion.

“I couldn’t look at her tears. I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer. I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing,” IBA president Umar Kremlev said, as quoted by news agency AFP.  “Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety,” he added.

Carini apologies to Imane Khelif

Carini isn’t happy with the entire controversy surrounding around her Algerian opponent. She issued an apology to Khelif and said she holds nothing against her.

“All the controversy made me sad and I’m sorry for my opponent too. It’s nothing to do with her. She was here like me to fight,” the Italian boxer told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I was angry because my Olympics had just gone up in smoke but I’ve nothing against Imane Khelif. On the contrary, if I saw her again, I’d give her a hug,” she added.

Khelif fights later on Saturday in the women’s 66kg quarter-final against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori. A victory here will guarantee medal for as all semi-finalists get at least bronze.

(With inputs from AFP)

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 The disbanded International Boxing Association (IBA) has backed Italian boxer Angela Carini after she withdrew from her pre-quarterfinal in women’s 66kg category against Algeria’s Imane Khelif.  Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today