Paris : Italian boxer Angela Carini to receive INR 42 lakhs Prize money equivalent to that of Gold Medal winner from International Boxing Association (IBA) after her controversial loss against Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif.
THE CONTROVERSIAL MATCH
The Women’s Boxing match between Carini and Khelif saw wide sparked controversy after the Italian quitted the match within 46 seconds, being punched hard, the punches according to her were hardest ones she ever received in boxing arena.
Khelif has been a center of controversy over few years after IBA banned her from World Boxing Championship 2023 due to high Testosterone levels and XY chromosomes , thereby violating Women’s Boxing rules. However, International Olympics Association (IOA) allows such players to participate.
After being punched hard, Carini withdrew from the match within 46 seconds, crying. This sparked huge controversy among boxing critics, netizens, calling it a gender fraud incident. According to them Khelif with high testosterone level shouldn’t have been allowed in the genre of Women’s Boxing category.
ANGELA CARINI TO RECEIVE $50,000
Now , the International Boxing Association has declared a sum of INR 42 Lakhs or $50,000, equivalent to that of a Gold Medal winner to Italy’s Carini, despite her withdrawal in the match.
The gold medalists in boxing at the Paris Olympics 2024 will receive $100,000 ( ₹84 lakh) in prize money. Half of this amount will go to the athlete. The National Federation and the coach will receive $25,000 ( ₹21 lakh) each.
IBA President Umar Kremlev explained that Carini had withdrawn from the match, saying she couldn’t continue.
He moved by Carini’s situation, stated that he could not ignore her distress and emphasised the importance of protecting boxers.
IBA PRESIDENT UMAR KREMLEV ON ANGELA CARINI’S WITHDRAWAL & THE MATCH
“I couldn’t look at her tears. I am not indifferent to such situations, and I can assure that we will protect each boxer. I do not understand why they kill women’s boxing. Only eligible athletes should compete in the ring for the sake of safety,” President Kremlev said.
The IBA will also support Sitora Turdibekova from Uzbekistan. Turdibekova lost to Lin Yu-ting from Chinese Taipei in a unanimous decision, almost in a similar situation. Lin was declared ineligible by the IBA in 2023.
CARINI WANTED TO HUG & APOLOGIZE TO IMANE KHELIF
Meanwhile, Carini said she would like to apologise to Khelif. After only 46 seconds, Carini quit the fight against her Algerian opponent.
Carini said she would like to “hug” Khelif. The Italian boxer said she was angry earlier because her Olympic dreams had been shattered.
