I suffered a lot at that time: Dutee Chand on gender row at Paris Olympics

Indian athlete Dutee Chand has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imene Khelif and her opponent Angela Carini at the Paris Olympics. Chand, who herself challenged the International Olympic Committee's rule on testosterone levels in 2014, expressed her views on the matter.

"In 2014, I challenged the IOC's rule that a person with a higher testosterone level should not participate," Chand stated. "It was noted that hormonal levels cannot increase athletic performance... I faced a lot of controversy regarding my gender at that time."

Reflecting on her own struggles, Chand empathized with the situation faced by Angela Carini, who competed against Imene Khelif in the Olympic match. Carini raised concerns about Khelif's testosterone levels, leading to a debate on social media.

"When you play in the Olympics, you undergo several tests. I don't think it is right to create controversy about this on social media," she opined.

Imane Khelif of Algeria won her opening Olympic boxing bout Thursday when opponent Angela Carini of Italy quit after just 46 seconds.

Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 world championships after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test, and her presence at the Paris Olympics has become a divisive issue.

Carini and Khelif exchanged only a few punches before Carini walked away and abandoned the bout — an extremely unusual occurrence in Olympic boxing. Carini’s headgear apparently became dislodged at least once before she quit. Carini didn't shake Khelif's hand after the decision was announced but cried in the ring on her knees.

Afterward, a still-tearful Carini said she quit because of intense pain in her nose after the opening punches. Carini, who had a spot of blood on her trunks, said she wasn't making a political statement and was not refusing to fight Khelif.