Khelif's coach says athlete a victim of political fight
Boxing coach Mohamed Chaoua has highlighted that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is the victim of a power struggle for control of the sport. According to Chaoua, the controversy intensified when Khelif's Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their Olympic round-of-16 match after 46 seconds, following a series of punches from Khelif. He noted that Khelif has been affected by the situation, questioning why she has been targeted. Khelif's participation in the Games came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took over boxing's organization in Paris, stripping the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its authority. At a press conference, the IBA announced the disqualification of Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu Ting from the 2023 World Championships due to a sex chromosome test. The IOC criticized the tests as flawed and conducted without due process. IOC President Thomas Bach stated that the IBA is mired in financial difficulties and compromised ties, particularly with the Russian leadership. The IBA argued it was protecting female athletes. A spokesperson from Human Rights Watch expressed concern over the scrutiny and abuse female athletes face, which has become an issue in Paris. The IOC has called on the boxing community to establish a new governing body or risk the sport's exclusion from the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Chaoua, who has coached Khelif since her teenage years, mentioned that while Khelif came fifth in her category at the Tokyo Games, she has not always won her matches. He emphasized that their mission has always been about sports and regretted being drawn into the struggle.
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Paris Olympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics are underway in Paris, with competition lasting until mid-August.