AceShowbiz - In a whirlwind of debate and viral reactions, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is at the center of a heated dispute following the abandonment of a women's boxing match amid escalating safety concerns. But who is right, and what does this mean for the future of women's sports?

Italy's Angela Carini felt compelled to abandon her bout with Algeria's Imane Khelif during the Paris 2024 Olympics, citing safety fears as the primary reason. Carini's decision came after Khelif had previously faced disqualification from the Women's World Championships due to elevated testosterone levels.

"It could have been the match of a lifetime, but I had to preserve my life as well in that moment," Carini emotionally explained post-match.

This incident has ignited significant backlash on social media platforms, with prominent figures like J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk vocally criticizing the IOC.

Rowling posted on Twitter/X, "Could any picture sum up our new men's rights movement better? The smirk of a male who's knows he's protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he's just punched in the head, and whose life's ambition he's just shattered."

Musk reposted a message from Riley Gaines, an American swimmer, stating, "men don't belong in women's sports," to which Musk replied, "Absolutely."

Moderate perspectives also surfaced. Judy Murray, mother of Team GB tennis player Andy Murray, weighed in by saying, "This should never have been allowed to happen. Bring back the swab test. Sport has to be fair and safe for biological women." These voices collectively underscore a demand for fairness and safety in women's sports.

Defending its decision, the IOC emphasized that all participants in the women's category adhere to the competition's eligibility rules.

Mark Adams, the IOC spokesperson, stated, "Obviously I am not going to comment on individuals. That's really invidious and unfair. But I would just say that everyone competing in the women's category is complying with the competition eligibility rules. They are women in their passports and it is stated that is the case."

Furthermore, he clarified, "this is not a transgender issue" and pointed out that those competing have been involved in women's competitions for years.

Despite the contention surrounding the match, Carini chose to extend her best wishes to her opponent Khelif, saying, "I wish her to carry on until the end and that she can be happy. I am someone who doesn't judge anyone. I am not here to give judgements."

The clash has undeniably sparked a broad discussion about the criteria for gender eligibility in sports, a debate which appears far from settled. As young people continue to be engaged in the world of sports, it becomes crucial to understand and navigate these complex regulations while ensuring fair and inclusive competitions for all athletes.