In a highly controversial boxing match at the Paris Olympics, Algeria's Imane Khelif won her opening bout after just 46 seconds when her opponent, Italy's Angela Carini, abruptly quit the fight. The bout was already mired in controversy due to Khelif's participation, as she had previously failed a gender eligibility test at the 2023 World Championships due to her having male XY chromosomes and elevated testosterone levels.

Carini, clearly emotional, signaled to her corner to stop the fight after taking a few punches from Khelif. She then fell to her knees in tears as her Olympic dream was dashed. The Italian boxer refused to shake Khelif's hand after the decision was announced, and she left the ring in tears.

The International Olympic Committee has faced mounting criticism for allowing Khelif to compete despite her failed gender test. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams defended the decision earlier this week, stating that "everyone competing in the women's category is complying with the competition eligibility rules." However, many have questioned the fairness of allowing an athlete with male genetic makeup to compete against biological females.

Khelif's case is not the only one to raise questions about gender eligibility in Olympic boxing. Taiwan's Lin Yu-Ting, who also failed a gender test at the 2023 World Championships, is also competing in the women's tournament at the Paris Games. The International Boxing Association, which does not oversee Olympic boxing, has expressed frustration with the IOC's decision to allow the two boxers to compete.

The controversy surrounding Khelif's participation has overshadowed her victory in the ring. As she moves forward in the tournament, the debate about gender eligibility in Olympic sports is likely to continue.