Two boxers, Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, who were previously disqualified for failing to meet eligibility requirements to compete in women’s matches last year will compete in the Paris Olympics. Khelif and Lin will compete in the women’s 66-kilogram and women’s 57-kilogram matches respectively. Both fighters faced controversy in 2023 when they were disqualified during the women’s world championships in New Delhi for failing to meet eligibility criteria. Khelif was disqualified for having a high level of testosterone, with the Algerian Olympic Committee citing medical reasons, while Lin’s bronze medal was stripped after failing to meet IBA eligibility criteria.
IBA president Umar Kremlin, addressing the situation at the time, explained that DNA tests revealed athletes trying to trick their colleagues by posing as women. It was found that some athletes had XY chromosomes, leading to their exclusion from competition. The International Olympic Committee subsequently cut ties with the International Boxing Association in 2023 over concerns about its reliance on Russia’s Gazprom, leading to the formation of World Boxing. Despite the controversial disqualifications, Khelif will face Italy’s Angela Carini in the round of 16 and Lin will face the winner of a fight between Marcelat Sakobi Matshu and Sitora Turdibekova in the Paris Olympics.
Khelif claimed the decision to disqualify her was part of a “big conspiracy,” while Lin faced an uproar in her camp following her disqualification. The International Boxing Association stated that both fighters failed to meet eligibility requirements, leading to their disqualifications during the women’s world championships in 2023. Khelif was informed that she had characteristics that meant she couldn’t box with women, while the Algerian Olympic Committee cited medical reasons for her disqualification. Lin’s disqualification came after her bronze medal was stripped for failing to meet IBA eligibility criteria.
The controversy surrounding the disqualifications of Khelif and Lin in 2023 led to the International Olympic Committee cutting ties with the International Boxing Association due to concerns about its reliance on Russia’s Gazprom. The creation of World Boxing emerged from this dispute, providing a new platform for boxing competition. Despite the controversies and disqualifications, Khelif will compete against Italy’s Angela Carini, and Lin will face the winner of a fight between Marcelat Sakobi Matshu and Sitora Turdibekova in the Paris Olympics. The incidents highlight the challenges and controversies that can arise in the world of competitive boxing, emphasizing the importance of adhering to eligibility criteria and regulations to ensure fair competition.
As Khelif and Lin prepare to compete in the Paris Olympics, they face not only the pressure of the competition itself but also the scrutiny and attention that comes with their previous disqualifications. Both fighters will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for a medal in their respective weight classes. Despite the tumultuous events of 2023, both boxers have the chance to redeem themselves on the Olympic stage and demonstrate their talent and determination in the ring. The Paris Olympics will serve as a platform for Khelif and Lin to prove themselves and show that they belong among the elite athletes of the boxing world.
