The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed strong disapproval of the disqualification of two female boxers competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, citing concerns over “current aggression” against the athletes.
On August 1, Algeria’s Imane Khelif won her match in the women’s 66kg category after Italy’s Angela Carini conceded due to a nose injury. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting is set to compete in the 57kg category on August 2. Both boxers were previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships under International Boxing Association (IBA) rules that exclude athletes with male XY chromosomes from women’s events.
The IOC clarified that the decision to disqualify Khelif and Yu-ting was made arbitrarily by the IBA without due process. “These two athletes were victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA,” the IOC stated. “The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision.”
The IOC, which is overseeing boxing in Paris due to governance and ethical issues within the IBA, emphasized that all participating athletes met the necessary qualifications and medical criteria. The organization highlighted that Khelif and Yu-ting had previously competed in international events, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination,” the IOC said. They reiterated that eligibility rules should not change during ongoing competitions and must be based on scientific evidence.
In response, the IBA defended its stance, stating that Khelif and Yu-ting did not meet the eligibility criteria for female competition. The IBA stressed its commitment to ensuring competitive fairness and athlete safety.
The 2024 Paris Olympics, which began on July 26, will continue until August 11. Viewers can watch the events through Cignal TV’s platforms, including free-to-air and pay-per-view television, as well as digital broadcasts on OneSports, One News, and News5. For the complete schedule, visit the dedicated website.