“Very disappointing” – Martina Navratilova unimpressed with IOC’s clarification over transgender-DSD slip-up about Imane Khelif at Paris Olympics

Martina Navratilova was left unimpressed by the IOC's (International Olympic Committee) clarification over president, Thomas Bach's slip-up while talking about Imane Khelif-Angela Carini's controversy at the Paris Olympics 2024. Khelif defeated Carini in 46 seconds after the latter quit the bout, the match that was marred by a huge controversy.

Carini gave a teary-eyed interview after being knocked out and claimed that Khelif's punch was the hardest she had ever been hit. The controversy grew manifold as news about the Algerian boxer's failed 2023 gender test via IBA came to light. However, she was allowed to compete at the Olympics, as IOC rules do not consider IBA tests. (Boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics is overseen by the IOC and not the IBA).

DSD (Differences of Sexual Development) is a rare condition where a person can be raised as a woman but has XY sex chromosomes and higher blood testosterone levels. Meanwhile, a female has a lower level of testosterone level and XX chromosomes. Right now, there is no credible information on whether Khelif has DSD.

During his press conference, IOC president Thomas Bach categorically said if a person is born a woman, raised as a woman, and has been assigned woman as a gender on the passport, the said person is a woman and would compete in the women's categories in sports.

He also pointed out that the social media misinformation campaign against the Algerian Khelif was a case of hate speech and abuse and was 'totally unacceptable'.

However, Bach misspoke on one occasion and said:

"But I repeat, here, this is not a DSD case, this is about a woman taking part in a women's competition."

As per IOC's clarification, he meant to say that:

"But I repeat, here, this is not a transgender case."

Martina Navratilova was not impressed with the clarification and called it 'disingenuous'.

"Very disappointing and disingenuous…to say the least," she said.

Martina Navratilova sarcastically called out the IOC for allowing Imane Khelif to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024: "Hope you’re proud"

Martina Navratilova at the 2023 WTA Finals (IMAGE: GETTY)

Martina Navratilova was enraged by the IOC for allowing Imane Khelif to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024 despite the IBA test results. However, it is worth noting that the IBA test has not been made public yet.

Navratilova has been raising her voice on social media regarding the ongoing controversy between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini. She did not mince her while blaming the IOC and its people in power.

"This is on all officials and people in power at the IOC- from the top down- you did this. Hope you’re proud," Navratilova wrote.

Khelif remains eligible for participation at the tournament.