Sport
Imane Khelif’s 46-Second Win Sparks Gender Controversy
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif sparked significant controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympics after winning her bout in just 46 seconds. This victory has intensified the debate over gender eligibility in sports. The fight saw Khelif defeat Italian opponent Angela Carini, who was left visibly distressed and injured. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy has criticized the result, claiming the competition was unfair.
Khelif, who had previously failed a gender eligibility test, delivered two powerful punches that left Carini with a bleeding nose, unable to continue. Carini, deeply upset, collapsed and sobbed in front of reporters, expressing her pain and regret. “I felt intense pain and my nose began to bleed from the first hit,” Carini said, explaining her decision to stop the match.
Despite the controversy, Khelif advanced to the quarter-finals of the women’s 66kg category. Last year, both Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the world championships due to elevated testosterone levels but were later deemed eligible for the women’s competition in Paris.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had disqualified Khelif from the world championships due to elevated testosterone levels, which did not meet the eligibility criteria. However, both Khelif and Lin were allowed to compete in Paris. The IOC’s decision has been criticized by various figures, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She expressed her disagreement with the IOC’s stance, arguing that athletes with male genetic characteristics should not compete in women’s events.
Khelif, who previously placed fifth in Tokyo, was met with cheers from Algerian fans at the North Paris Arena. The controversy has overshadowed the day’s events, with Meloni’s comments adding fuel to the debate.
Earlier in the day, Algeria’s Olympic Committee condemned what they termed “malicious and unethical attacks” against Khelif, accusing foreign media of spreading lies about the athlete. The committee defended Khelif, asserting that all competitors are complying with eligibility rules as stated in their official documents.
Australian boxer Caitlin Parker, competing in the 75kg weight class, also voiced her concerns about the controversy. She stated that allowing athletes with male genetic characteristics in women’s combat sports is potentially dangerous.
The debate over gender eligibility continues to be a hot topic at the Paris Games, reflecting ongoing discussions about fairness and inclusivity in sports.
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Source: ChannelsTv
Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by news
Sport
Champions League Suspensions: Sterling and Tchouameni to Miss Arsenal vs Real Madrid Quarter-Final
Arsenal and Real Madrid will each be without a key player for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash next month. Raheem Sterling of Arsenal and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid are both suspended due to yellow card accumulations.
Sterling received a booking in the final moments of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night, a match that saw him provide two assists. This caution means he will miss the upcoming fixture against Real Madrid. Prior to the match, Sterling, Gabriel Martinelli, and Jurrien Timber were all at risk of suspension due to previous bookings. However, Martinelli and Timber avoided cautions as they started on the bench and played only a few minutes at the Emirates.
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni, will also be unavailable for the first leg in North London. Tchouameni received a yellow card during their last-16 second-leg match against Atletico Madrid, leading to his suspension.
The last encounter between these two teams was in 2006, when Arsenal secured a 1-0 aggregate victory, thanks to a remarkable goal from Thierry Henry.
Both teams will need to adjust their strategies to compensate for the absence of these influential players in the upcoming quarter-final match.
Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by news
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has expressed his eagerness to commence training under the newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, as Nigeria prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The team is set to reconvene this weekend, marking the first interaction between many players and the Malian tactician.
In January, Chelle embarked on a European tour, meeting with prominent Nigerian internationals such as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon. Osimhen, who has been in stellar form for Galatasaray, shared his insights on these developments.
“I’ve spoken to him a couple of times and clearly understand the objectives he has set for himself and for the players,” Osimhen told BBC Sports Africa. He emphasized the collective responsibility required to achieve success, stating, “It takes more than a coach to win football matches. Players must also be at their best, show commitment, and bear in mind that we can all fly together to reach our goal.”
The Super Eagles have yet to secure a victory in the current qualifiers, currently sitting fifth in Group C. Osimhen acknowledged the challenges ahead and the necessity for unwavering determination to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup, and with our situation in the group, I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” he remarked. Reflecting on past disappointments, Osimhen added, “We suffered a big disappointment in 2022, and we simply can’t let it happen again to us, the country, and our generation.”
The upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe are pivotal for Nigeria’s qualification aspirations. The Super Eagles aim to rejuvenate their campaign, with Osimhen’s leadership and Chelle’s strategic guidance at the forefront.
As the team assembles under new management, the synergy between the coach and players will be crucial. Osimhen’s enthusiasm to work under Chelle underscores a collective ambition to restore Nigeria’s prominence on the global football stage.
In conclusion, the Super Eagles’ journey towards the 2026 World Cup is set to begin anew, with Osimhen’s commitment and Chelle’s fresh perspective offering renewed hope for Nigerian football fans.
Reference: https://dailypost.ng/2025/03/13/2026-wcq-osimhen-desperate-to-start-training-under-chelle/
Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by news
Arsenal Players Risk Champions League: Arsenal’s commanding 7-1 lead over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16 positions them favourably for the quarter-finals. However, key players Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli, and Raheem Sterling face potential suspensions if booked in the upcoming second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Each has accumulated two yellow cards in the competition so far.
UEFA regulations stipulate that a player who receives three yellow cards before the semi-finals incurs a one-match ban. These cautions are reset after the quarter-final stage.
Manager Mikel Arteta must carefully consider his squad selection for the second leg to mitigate the risk of losing these pivotal players for the quarter-finals. While the substantial aggregate advantage allows some flexibility, ensuring player availability for future high-stakes matches remains crucial.
Arsenal Players Risk Champions League Key Points:
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Arsenal leads PSV Eindhoven 7-1 on aggregate in the Champions League Round of 16.
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Players Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli, and Raheem Sterling each have two yellow cards.
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A third yellow card before the semi-finals results in a one-match suspension.
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Yellow card counts are reset after the quarter-finals.
Arteta’s strategic decisions in the upcoming fixture will be pivotal in maintaining squad strength for the challenges ahead.
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Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by news
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