Algerian boxer Imane Khelif progressed to the quarter-finals in the women’s 66kg category at the Olympics after her opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, retired just 46 seconds into their round of 16 bout. Carini’s early withdrawal came unexpectedly in the first minute of the match.
Khelif’s participation in the tournament has been controversial following a failed gender eligibility test last year. The reasons behind Carini’s decision to retire are not yet clear.
Earlier on Thursday, Algeria’s Olympic Committee defended Khelif, condemning what they called “unethical attacks” against the boxer. Despite being disqualified from the world championships last year, Khelif was cleared to compete in Paris.
