In a recent development at the Tokyo Olympics, the issue of gender eligibility in women's sports has resurfaced, sparking a heated debate online. Italian boxer Angela Carini made headlines when she withdrew from her Olympic match against Algeria's Imane Khelif, who had been disqualified from last year's World Boxing Championships due to a failed gender eligibility test conducted by the International Boxing Association.

Imane Khelif, who is set to face Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori in the next round, expressed her indifference towards the social media row surrounding her presence at the Olympics. Hamori, on the other hand, firmly stated that regardless of Khelif's gender, her primary focus is on winning the match, and it would be a significant victory for her.

Supporters have rallied behind Khelif amidst the controversy. Algerian national team soccer player Ismaël Bennacer took to Twitter to express solidarity, stating that Khelif has faced undue hatred and that her inclusion in the Olympic Games is a testament to her talent and hard work.

The debate over gender identity in sports has been a contentious issue, with some critics arguing that participation should be limited to individuals who are assigned female at birth. The New York Times reported that intersex athletes, those who display both male and female biological characteristics, have also been a focal point of the discussion.

It is essential to note that Imane Khelif is legally recognized as female and is identified as such on her passport. Mark Adams, the International Olympic Committee's chief spokesperson, clarified that Khelif is not a transgender athlete. He emphasized that all athletes participating in the women's category of the Olympics have complied with the competition eligibility rules.

Khelif had previously appealed her disqualification from the IBA's World Boxing Championships, labeling it as a "big conspiracy." However, she ultimately withdrew her appeal. The IBA, standing by its decision, stated that it was crucial to maintain fairness and integrity in the competition.

Despite the controversy, Khelif has been a long-time athlete competing as a woman throughout her career and had participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, where she faced defeat in the quarterfinals against Irish boxer Kellie Harrington in a unanimous decision.

The issue of gender eligibility in women's sports continues to be a divisive topic, reflecting larger societal debates surrounding identity and inclusion. As the world watches the Olympics unfold, it remains to be seen how discussions around gender and sports will evolve in the future.