Martina Navratilova calls out “disappointing and disingenuous” IOC for changing statements around gender test failed boxer Imane Khelif

Martina Navratilova bashed the IOC for changing their statements about the controversy involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.

Martina Navratilova calls out “disappointing and disingenuous” IOC for changing statements around gender test failed boxer Imane Khelif

Martina Navratilova (L), Imane Khelif (R - blue) and Thomas Bach (Via Imago/X)

Martina Navratilova called out the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their recent change in statements on the boxing match between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini. The very controversial match got over in just 46 seconds after the Italian quit abruptly.

Khelif had a history of failing unspecified gender tests and many people were surprised when the Algerian was allowed to compete at the Olympics. Her first match was against Carini and the Algerian did not expect what happened in the match.

As soon as the bell rang, both players exchanged a few blows. The Italian then took two punches to her face before calling the referee and quitting the match. She held her nose and cried in the middle of the ring as the referee announced Khelif as the winner.

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Speaking after the retirement, Carini said that the punches were extremely strong and that she had never felt a woman’s punch so hard. With the Algerian’s history, fans online bashed her and the IOC for including “supposed transgenders” in a women’s boxing match.

The IOC did make a formal announcement in a press meet and declared that the situation was ‘not a DSD case’. A day later, the IOC tweaked their statement. They replaced ‘not a transgender issue’ with ‘not a transgender issue’. A major change in statements and, once again, the fans lashed out at the IOC for this major change.

Former tennis star Martina Navratilova also weighed in, calling the organization disappointing and disingenuous.

Very disappointing and disingenuous…to say the least.

Martina Navratilova posted on X
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Angela Carini apologized to her opponent for quitting the match in just 46 seconds

The boxing match between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini held on Thursday was very controversial given that the Italian decided to quit the match after just 46 seconds. She was rather furious after the match and did not even shake her opponent’s hand.

Angela Carini apologized to Imane Khelif and everyone at a presser
Angela Carini apologized to Imane Khelif and everyone at a presser (Image via YouTube)

A day later, Carini apologized to Khelif. She said that the controversy made her sad and that the Algerian was not to blame since the IOC cleared her to compete. 

All this controversy makes me sad. I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.
Angela Carini said (via Gazzetta dello Sport)

The controversy continues and has even expanded after the change in statements by the IOC. Nevertheless, Khelif moved on to the next round and continues to fight for her country. She has reached the semifinals and is now assured of a medal.

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