Italian PM Giorgia Meloni has come down hard on the inclusions of athletes with male genetic characteristics in women’s events. Her remark comes after Italy’s Angela Carini lost to Imane Khelif in what was a controversial match in the boxing event of the Paris Olympics. Meloni also took to social media platform X to pen a note for Angela, asking her to not give up and hope that equality will finally come.
Italy PM jumps into Imane Khelif debate
“I think that athletes who have male genetic characteristics should not be admitted to women’s competitions,” Meloni said during a meeting with Italian athletes in Paris.
Her participation in the women’s 66kg category has sparked debate about sex (or gender) eligibility in sports. The Algerian boxer’s participation remains a contentious issue, with opinions sharply divided within the sporting world.
Row over Imane Khelif’s participation in Paris Olympics
Fans vented out their frustration and anger when these athletes went on to compete with women boxers in the tournament.
Previously, as per the the rules set by the International Boxing Associaltion, Imane Khelif failed to pass the gender test. The Athlete’s result proved having XY chromosome. For the unversed, women have XX chromosome while Men have XY chromosome.
The IOC the rules are far more relaxed and thus Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu‑ting of Chinese Taipei were allowed to compete in women’s boxing category despite failing gender tests.
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