Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s rapid 46-second victory over Italy’s Angela Carini on Thursday took a dramatic turn when Carini abruptly abandoned the match, a highly unusual occurrence in Olympic boxing. The Italian boxer displayed visible distress, refusing to shake Khelif’s hand and breaking down in tears before exiting the ring.

Carini later explained that she had to quit due to the intense pain caused by early punches. “I felt a severe pain in my nose, and with the maturity of a boxer, I said ‘enough’ because I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to. I couldn’t finish the match,” she stated.

Khelif’s participation in the Olympics has been highly contentious. Previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to failing an undisclosed gender eligibility test, her presence in Paris has sparked fierce debate.

The controversy has drawn high-profile figures into the fray. Author J.K. Rowling ignited a firestorm by referring to Khelif as a “male,” accusing her of exploiting Carini’s distress. The writer’s stance on transgender issues has made her a polarizing figure.

US Presidential candidate Donald Trump joined the conversation, vowing to “keep men out of women’s sports.” His running mate, JD Vance, blamed Kamala Harris’ gender policies for the situation.

In contrast, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, expressed concern for Carini and other female athletes exposed to such physical and psychological distress.

Amidst the online attacks, Algerian officials rallied behind Khelif. The Algerian Olympic Committee condemned the “malicious and unethical attacks” targeting their athlete. British politician Nadia Whittome also defended Khelif, highlighting the impact of transphobia on women who don’t conform to traditional gender norms.

Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who also faced eligibility questions, have found themselves under intense scrutiny. Lin, a former world champion, had her 2022 bronze medal revoked due to failing a biochemical test.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended both athletes’ eligibility, stating that their participation is based on passport information. The IOC criticized the IBA’s decision to disqualify them as “sudden and arbitrary.”

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te expressed support for Lin, urging unity behind the athlete.

As the controversy deepens, the sporting world grapples with complex questions about fairness, inclusion, and the future of women’s sports.