Imane Khelif's Olympic match keeps debate boiling on suspension, eligibility of athletes

The participation of Imane Khelif in the Paris 2024 Olympics has also brewed a storm around her participation, especially about the allowance of her to box following a prior suspension. Khelif was one of those athletes whom the Association allowed to fight in the women's division in boxing with Taiwan's Lin Yu Ting even after they both had records of suspension, raising quite heated discussions in socio-political circles.

In the 66 kg fight, Khelif started very well in the first round and had a convincing 36-9 points over her opponent from Italy, Angela Carini. However, in the second round, due to the punches by Khelif, there was a nose fracture on Carini, which stopped the bout. 46 seconds into the second round, Carini could not continue, thus confirming Khelif's victory to proceed in the tournament.

Much of the controversy over her participation stemmed from prior suspension, which many critics argued should have ruled her out from competing. What may be a deeper question, about the criteria for which athletes are eligible and whether such decisions are ever fair—especially in a high-stakes competition like the Olympics—now pales compared to this case.