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The recent controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, the Paris Olympics boxing gold medalist, has sparked a heated debate regarding gender eligibility in sports. A leaked medical report, obtained by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia, identified Khelif as a male with 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a sexual development disorder. This revelation triggered widespread calls for the revocation of Khelif's gold medal, with prominent figures like cricketer Harbhajan Singh voicing their concerns on social media.
The controversy initially arose during the Paris Olympics 2024 when Italian boxer Angela Carini abruptly withdrew from her bout against Khelif. Carini's decision followed a barrage of punches from Khelif, leading to speculation and accusations of unfair advantage. The incident sparked a wider discussion on gender verification processes in sports and the potential for exploitation within the system.
The leaked medical report, drafted by experts from the Kremlin-Bicetre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers, detailed Khelif's biological characteristics. The report stated the presence of internal testicles, the absence of a uterus, and a micropenis resembling an enlarged clitoris. These findings further fueled the controversy and raised questions about the adequacy of existing gender verification protocols.
In response to the controversy and online backlash, Imane Khelif filed a lawsuit in Paris against what she described as "aggravated cyber harassment." The lawsuit named Tesla CEO Elon Musk among other individuals, alleging that they contributed to the online harassment and discrimination she faced. The legal battle highlights the sensitive nature of gender identity discussions, the potential for online abuse, and the need for responsible reporting and public discourse on these complex issues.
Source: Take the Olympics Gold back, this isn't ...tweets Harbhajan Singh