Last year, the International Boxing Association (IBA) barred Khelif from the Women’s World Championships for failing gender eligibility criteria before her anticipated gold medal bout in New Delhi.
The 25-year-old boxer tested positive for elevated testosterone levels, leading to the cancellation of her match against 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Medalist Yang Liu.
However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) introduced new rules allowing Khelif to compete this year despite the fact that she is a biological male.
An official statement explained that the decision was based on the latest examination conducted under confidential procedures. Another boxer, Lin Yu-ting, was also disqualified along with Khelif but chose not to contest the IBA’s ruling.
Both athletes have consistently identified as female in all competitions.
Women’s Boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The match between Khelif and Carini began with both fighters donning their mandated headgear in anticipation of a power-packed showdown. Within the first 30 seconds, Khelif delivered a powerful right-hand jab to Carini’s face, drawing a notable reaction from the audience. Carini called for a timeout, retreating to her corner where her coach attempted to adjust her headgear, which had been dislodged by the punch’s force.
