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Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who made history by winning Olympic gold despite a controversy over her gender eligibility, is now taking legal action against media outlets that have published leaked medical records. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed Khelif's legal actions on Wednesday, stating that she has filed a complaint in France for online harassment and is preparing a lawsuit in response to the latest reporting.The gender controversy surrounding Khelif erupted during the Paris Games in August when she defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds in her opening bout. Carini, visibly distressed, abandoned the fight after suffering a severe nose injury. The incident sparked a heated debate, with politicians and celebrities, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and "Harry Potter" author JK Rowling, weighing in on the matter.According to reports published in France this week, Khelif has XY, or male, chromosomes. However, the IOC emphasized that Khelif has competed in the women's category in international competitions for many years, including at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and at the International Boxing Association (IBA) world championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.The IOC expressed its concern over the abuse that Khelif has been subjected to, stating that it "will not comment while legal action is ongoing, or on media reports about unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed."Khelif, who was hailed as a hero upon her return to Algeria after her Olympic triumph, has previously faced online harassment. She has now taken legal action to protect her privacy and reputation.The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the complex and sensitive nature of gender eligibility in sports. The IOC has established guidelines for determining an athlete's eligibility based on their sex, but these guidelines have been challenged in recent years as the understanding of gender identity and biology has evolved.

India's Olympic aspirations took a significant leap forward as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally expressed its intent to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a global sports powerhouse.The IOA's Letter of Intent, submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on October 1, marks a crucial step in India's bid to host the quadrennial extravaganza. The country's interest in hosting the Games was first expressed by PM Modi during his interaction with Paris Olympics athletes on Independence Day 2022.PM Modi emphasized the importance of athlete input in preparing for the 2036 Games, stating, "We want to document this and share it with the government so that we don't miss out on any small details in the preparation for 2036."India's bid received further support from IOC President Thomas Bach, who acknowledged the country's "strong case" for hosting the Games. India is among 10 nations that have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, including Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, and South Korea.The IOC's Future Host Commission will conduct a thorough selection process to determine the host city. The process involves evaluating factors such as infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, and sustainability.Hosting the Olympics would bring numerous benefits to India, including economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment. It would also provide a platform for Indian athletes to showcase their talent on the world stage.India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is a testament to the country's growing stature in the global sports arena. With its vast population, rich sporting history, and ambitious plans for infrastructure development, India is well-positioned to deliver a memorable and successful Olympic experience.

The future of boxing at the Olympics hangs in the balance after a damaging gender controversy overshadowed the sport's inclusion at the Paris Games.Boxing has been a staple of the modern Olympics since its debut in 1904, with legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, and Lennox Lewis all starting their careers at the Games. However, its presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is now uncertain.The controversy erupted when the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting from its world championships last year, claiming genetic testing showed they were "men." The IOC cleared them to compete in Paris, expressing doubts about the IBA's testing and motivations.Khelif won gold in Paris, declaring, "I am a woman like any other." Taiwanese officials have threatened legal action against the IBA. Lin also won gold in her weight category.The IBA's actions have drawn widespread criticism, with veteran British boxing journalist Steve Bunce calling it "an absolute disaster." Former British boxer Spencer Oliver agrees, saying, "It's just a mess because boxing comes into the spotlight again, but for the wrong reason."At the heart of boxing's problems is a dispute between the IOC and the IBA. The IOC stepped in to run boxing at the Tokyo and Paris Games, effectively freezing the IBA out of the Olympic movement. IOC president Thomas Bach has warned that boxing's national federations need to find a new international partner for the IOC to consider its inclusion in 2028.The IBA's main contribution in Paris was a chaotic press conference that failed to clarify its reasons for disqualifying Khelif and Lin. IBA president Umar Kremlev, a Kremlin-linked oligarch, has been accused of misogyny and corruption.Those within the sport fear that excluding boxing from the Olympics would have multiple repercussions. Ireland's Kellie Harrington, who retained her title in Paris, worries that countries will pull funding for their boxing programs without the Olympics as a goal.British boxing officials have highlighted the importance of the Olympics as a springboard for professional success, with former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua being a prime example.Despite the governance issues, many believe that boxing's absence from the Olympics would be a significant loss. "I think the Olympics without boxing would be a shame. It would be very, very sad," said Oliver. "I'm hoping that they can sort out all the politics that go on behind the scenes, and boxing continues. I'm sure it will do."

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic Gold medalist, has been bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This honor recognizes Bindra's exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.Bindra's journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by numerous accolades and contributions both on and off the field. As an athlete, he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men's 10m Air rifle event. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle Shooting.Over his two-decade-long career, Bindra won over 150 individual medals, earning recognition as one of India's greatest sports icons. His exceptional service to the sport was further acknowledged when he was awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honor by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).Beyond his achievements in sports, Bindra has made significant contributions to sports governance. He chaired the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years and currently serves as a member of the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. These roles allow him to influence the development of global sports policies and advocate for athletes worldwide.Post-retirement, Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology. Through initiatives focused on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, ABFT aims to bring global best practices to the Indian sporting landscape.A key initiative under Bindra's leadership is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which is being implemented in partnership with the IOC's Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam. Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP aims to instil the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, impacting more than 1 million schoolchildren.Bindra's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is reflected in the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the natural habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline.This recognition highlights Bindra's enduring legacy in the world of sports and his continued efforts to promote the values of Olympism globally.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has announced that he will not seek a third term in office, ending his tenure in 2025. The 70-year-old German lawyer, who has led the IOC since 2013, made the announcement at a session of IOC members in Paris.Bach's decision comes despite requests from some members to extend his mandate. However, he emphasized that he believes it is in the best interests of the Olympic movement to have a new leader. "New times are calling for new leaders," he said.Bach's successor will be elected in 2025, and the race to replace him is expected to be competitive. Among the potential candidates is Zimbabwean former swimmer Kirsty Coventry, who is highly respected within the IOC.Bach's tenure as IOC President has been marked by both challenges and successes. He has overseen the implementation of several reforms, including the Agenda 2020 Olympic reforms, which aimed to make the Games more sustainable and accessible. He has also navigated the IOC through the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Despite these challenges, Bach has also faced criticism for his handling of certain issues, such as the Russian doping scandal and the IOC's decision to award the 2022 Winter Olympics to Beijing.Nevertheless, Bach's legacy as IOC President will likely be defined by his commitment to the Olympic ideals and his efforts to promote unity and cooperation within the global sports community.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed empathy for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's situation but emphasized the importance of adhering to rules. Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling gold medal match after being found overweight by 100 grams.Bach acknowledged the human element in Phogat's predicament, stating that he understands her perspective. However, he stressed that the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) has the responsibility to enforce its regulations. He questioned the extent to which concessions can be made without compromising the integrity of the sport.Bach raised concerns about the potential implications of allowing exceptions to weight limits. He pointed out that in track events, where results are often determined by fractions of a second, a 100-gram weight difference could have a significant impact. He emphasized the need for consistency and fairness in applying rules across all sports.The IOC President also addressed the possibility of awarding two silver medals in Phogat's case. He stated that such a decision would not be possible under the current regulations. He reiterated that the UWW's decision must be respected.Phogat has appealed her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Bach indicated that the IOC will abide by the CAS verdict. However, he emphasized that the UWW's interpretation of its rules must be taken into account.Bach's comments highlight the delicate balance between compassion and the need to maintain the integrity of sporting competitions. While he expressed sympathy for Phogat's situation, he also emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has emphasized the importance of allowing women to participate in women's events at the Olympics, amidst controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khalif.Khalif, who failed gender eligibility and testosterone tests, has advanced to the gold medal round in the women's 66 kg boxing at the Paris Olympics. IOC President Thomas Bach stated that women should be permitted to compete in women's events, citing the unreliability of sex tests and human rights concerns."We had so-called sex tests until 1999, but science told us they were not reliable anymore," Bach said. "These tests can be against human rights because they are too intrusive."Khalif's controversial win over Angela Carini in the opening round of the women's 66 kg boxing has sparked criticism from prominent figures such as J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, who questioned her gender. However, the IOC has defended Khalif's right to compete, along with another boxer, Lin Yu-ting, who also faced scrutiny for failing an eligibility requirement.The IOC emphasized that all athletes participating in the boxing tournament comply with eligibility and medical regulations. It also noted that the athletes in question had been subjected to an arbitrary decision by the International Boxing Association (IBA)."These two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women's category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020," the IOC said. "They were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA."The IOC expressed its commitment to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games and condemned the abuse that Khalif and Lin Yu-ting have received.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sparked controversy by allowing Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Chinese Taipei's Lin Yu-ting to compete in the Paris Olympics despite their disqualification from last year's World Championships due to unspecified gender tests.The decision has raised concerns about fairness and the integrity of the competition. Khelif's opponent, Italy's Angela Carini, forfeited her bout after two hard punches, claiming she feared her nose was broken.The IOC defended its decision, stating that the athletes' gender and age are based on their passports and that they comply with the eligibility regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). The IOC also criticized the IBA's sudden and arbitrary disqualification of the boxers.IBA, however, maintains that its decision was based on a separate and recognized test that indicated the athletes had competitive advantages over other female competitors. The test results remain confidential.The IOC emphasized that eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition and that any rule changes must follow appropriate processes and be based on scientific evidence. The IOC also expressed concern about the abuse the athletes are receiving.Khelif is set to face Hungary's Luca Anna Hamori in the 66kg quarter-finals on Saturday, while Yu-ting will meet Uzbekistan's Sitora Turdibekova in the Round of 16 on Friday.

Paris Olympics: A Dedicated Mental Health Zone for AthletesAt the upcoming Paris Olympics, athletes will have access to a first-of-its-kind mental health zone, known as the Athlete365 Mind Zone. This dedicated space, located within the Athletes Village, aims to address the growing recognition of the importance of mental well-being in elite sports.The Mind Zone is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for athletes to prioritize their mental health. It features areas for guided meditation, sleep pods, yoga, and art therapy. Trained officials are also available to offer support and guidance to athletes who may be experiencing mental health concerns.The establishment of the Mind Zone is a significant step by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with it. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, the IOC introduced a 24/7 helpline with mental health counselors, and the Paris Olympics will expand on this initiative with the dedicated zone.The need for such a space has been highlighted by the increasing number of elite athletes who have spoken out about their mental health struggles. From Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open to Simone Biles's decision to pull out of multiple events in Tokyo due to "twisties," mental health has become a prominent topic in the sports world.In India, too, athletes like Lakshya Sen and Anjum Moudgil have shared their experiences with mental health issues. Moudgil, who has dealt with imposter syndrome and a loss of form, believes that the Mind Zone will provide a valuable resource for athletes."I'm willing to experience it. It's a very positive change," said Moudgil. "There are a lot of athletes now who have started to talk about mental health."The IOC's Athlete365 survey revealed that mental health is a top priority for athletes. The Mind Zone is designed to create a space where athletes can prioritize their mental well-being alongside their physical health."The entire space is designed around decompression and disconnection," said Kirsty Burrows, Head of the IOC's Safe Sport Unit. "We want to try and make sure that we promote this concept and destigmatize conversations around mental health."The Mind Zone is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in sports. It provides a safe and supportive environment for athletes to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed.