The Olympic Committee has issued a response following a boxer’s early exit from a fight against a rival who did not meet gender eligibility requirements.
The Olympic Committee has issued a statement following the dramatic conclusion of the welterweight boxing match between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini, which ended just 46 seconds into the bout.
Carini abandoned the fight due to issues with her headgear. Consequently, the committee issued a response.
This response addressed not only the incident but also the broader context of eligibility regulations
Olympic committee statement
The committee has emphasized that all athletes in the Paris 2024 boxing tournament must adhere to established eligibility and medical regulations.
Then, they further stated that these rules are strictly followed to ensure fairness in the competition.
“Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination. All athletes competing in the Olympic boxing events comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as the applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). These regulations are based on the athletes’ passports and were applied consistently throughout the qualification period, including various international tournaments and qualifying events.”.
The PBU has adopted the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as the foundation for Paris 2024.
This decision aims to ensure consistency and minimize disruption to athletes’ preparations.
Addionally, the rules were established after Rio 2016 and before the IOC suspended the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) in 2019. They are designed to maintain fairness and integrity in the sport.
By using these rules, the PBU hopes to provide a stable, competitive environment for all participants.
Recent reports have highlighted issues involving two female athletes impacted by an arbitrary decision from the International Boxing Association (IBA).
While. these athletes had participated in numerous prestigious events, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the IBA World Championships.
Addionally, they were unexpectedly disqualified in a sudden decision by the IBA. While, this decision was made without following proper due process.
Such an abrupt action has raised significant concerns. These concerns center on the fairness and procedural integrity of the process.
The statement continues:
“We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.
“These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.
Additionally, the IOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the human rights of all athletes.
This commitment is outlined in the Olympic Charter, Code of Ethics, and Strategic Framework on Human Rights.
“The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games as per the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.”
The committee expressed sadness over the treatment of the two athletes affected by the IBA’s decision.
Addionally, The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023, following its suspension in 2019.
This decision was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The IOC has emphasized the need for National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus. While, they are urged to establish a new International Federation. This is crucial for ensuring boxing’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games.
Such an approach is contrary to good governance. Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.