The findings show that solutions are urgently needed
The Boxing Championships in Paris could be very spectacular, but the gender debate and, more so, a political dispute in sports overshadow the tournament. For the future, solutions must be found. Since these are not yet available, boxer Imane Khelif has to endure insults and hate before her final.
In her victory dance through the ring, Imane Khelif reminded of Rumpelstiltskin. Alternately, she pulled her knees up lightning-fast, a spin, then another. The work had been done by her fists earlier, now her legs were called for the celebration. But the 12,000 spectators in the Stade Roland Garros seemed to lend her additional energy.
With a clear 5-0 points victory, Khelif defeated Thai Janjaem Suwannapheng in the Olympic semi-final of the 66kg class. On Friday evening, she will box against Yang Liu from China for gold. And this, despite her gender being discussed for days, having to endure insults and hate - because she has become caught in the crossfire of an undignified political spectacle. Of course, she is not to blame.
Others are responsible for this, functionaries, especially those of the boxing world governing body IBA, which has forfeited its Olympic eligibility through a series of scandals. The International Olympic Committee has thrown out the IBA, but the body, influenced by Russia, continues to have an impact. This can be seen in Paris with a chaotic and absurd press conference.
Boxing scene in Paris divided
On this, the connected president Umar Kremlev repeated his claim that Khelif and Lin Yutang are "male". Without evidence, but with much noise. The IOC, which organizes the competitions in Paris as it did in Tokyo, reacted calmly, almost pleased: At least now the boxing world must have realized who has been leading it for years. A return to the embrace of the Olympic family has long been ruled out for the IBA.
But this also means: If boxing is to remain Olympic, a new world governing body is needed, a "reliable partner", as IOC president Thomas Bach demands. Without this, the Olympic future of the traditional sport is uncertain, but the IOC does not want to give up hope. In Los Angeles, boxing is to remain part of the program, but something must happen.
A rival organization was founded in 2023, World Boxing already has 37 national associations, including the German Boxing Association (DBV). A few more should follow, then World Boxing could receive recognition from the IOC and thus a lot of money, which could then be distributed to the member associations.
However, in Paris, the scene is still divided, the case of Khelif has contributed to this, and that is quite in the interest of the IBA. The more trouble, the better. For Khelif and Lin, it is a torture, while the IOC writes the protection of athletes very large on its flag. But it is also a disaster for all other boxers. Only worse would be if they could not return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles.
Despite her impending gold medal match against Yang Liu in the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, Imane Khelif continues to face controversy due to her gender being questioned. This controversy, stemming from a political dispute, has overshadowed her success in the boxing championships.
The political dispute surrounding Khelif's participation in the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris has highlighted the need for a new world governing body in boxing, as demanded by IOC president Thomas Bach, to ensure the sport's continuation in the Olympics.
