Olympics

Controversy Erupts Over Boxer Anna Luca Hamori’s Quarter-Final Opponent At Paris 2024 Olympics

Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori has publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with her upcoming quarter-final opponent, Imane Khelif of Algeria, in the 66 kg boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Hamori, 23, expressed her concerns on social media, questioning the fairness of Khelif’s participation in the women’s division.

Hamori, who has previously competed at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and won silver at the 2022 European Championships, took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to voice her frustration. She described it as unfair for Khelif to compete in the women’s category and vowed to give her all in the match despite her reservations. “In my humble opinion, I don’t think it’s fair that this contestant can compete in the women’s category. But I cannot concern myself with that now. I cannot change it, it’s life. I can promise you one thing… I will do my best to win and I will fight as long as I can!” Hamori wrote.

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: India Defeats Australia In Men’s Hockey, Ending 52-Year Olympic Drought

Khelif’s eligibility has been contentious. Last year, she, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, was disqualified from the Women’s World Championships by the Russia-led International Boxing Association (IBA) after failing gender eligibility tests. Both athletes were stripped of their medals and barred from women’s competition to ensure fairness.

However, with the IBA stripped of its status as the sport’s global governing body by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last June, the IOC has cleared Khelif and Lin to compete in the Olympics based on the gender listed on their passports. This decision has led to significant backlash.

IOC To Revisit The Decision

The Hungarian Boxing Association and the Hungarian Olympic Committee have protested against Khelif’s participation, urging the IOC to revisit the decision. They argue that allowing Khelif to compete undermines the principles of fair competition in women’s boxing.

Bulgarian boxer Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, who is set to face Lin in her quarter-final match, has also expressed concerns over the fairness of the competition. Supported by the Bulgarian Boxing Federation, Staneva criticized the situation, suggesting it casts a shadow over women’s boxing.

The controversy has sparked wider debate, with Kheireddine Barbari, head of the Algerian delegation, condemning the campaign against Khelif as “immoral” and filing a formal complaint with the IOC.

The IOC has defended its decision, citing procedural issues with the IBA’s disqualification process and reaffirming that Khelif and Lin’s eligibility is in line with their passport gender. The ongoing dispute continues to stir controversy as the Olympic Games progress.

Richa Kaushik

Recent Posts

SC Upholds Rajasthan’s Electricity Regulations; Dismissing Power Companies Plea

The Supreme Court has granted a major relief to the Rajasthan government by upholding the…

9 hours ago

SC Expresses Concern Over Rising Trend Of False Rape Cases On Marriage Promises

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the rising tendency to register rape cases based…

10 hours ago

Adani Ports Mundra Sets National Record With Historic 200 MMT Cargo Handling Milestone

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone set a national record by handling 450 MMT of…

10 hours ago

SC Seeks Response On Vikas Yadav’s Bail Plea In Nitish Katara Murder Case

SC issues notice to UP govt, Neelam Katara on Vikas Yadav’s interim bail plea in…

10 hours ago

SC Slams Telangana CM Over Remarks On BRS MLAs’ Disqualification Case

The SC expressed displeasure over Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s remarks regarding the disqualification…

10 hours ago

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Opposes Waqf Bill; Calls It Legislative Discrimination

JIH President Syed Sadatullah Husaini condemns the Waqf Amendment Bill for singling out Muslims and…

11 hours ago