IBA Chief Umar Kremlev Lambasts Thomas Bach, Calls For IOC To Strip Imane Khelif Off Paris 2024 Gold

News18

2 days ago

Kremlev urged the IOC to strip Algerian pugilist Khelif off her Paris 2024 gold citing her failed gender test results in the lead up to the quadrennial event.
International Boxing Association chief Umar Kremlev voiced that the International Olympic Committee should strip Algerian boxer Imane Khelif of the gold she claimed in the women's 63 Kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024, and held former IOC chief Thomas Bach responsible for the pugilists participation in the quadrennial event despite the furore about her gender.
Khelif was at the midst of the gender controversy that surrounded the Olympics in Paris but the Algerian did not let the storm get to her as she managed to claim the top-spot in her category.
'There is a lot of corruption surrounding the IOC, and many violations of good sporting principles," Kremlev said.
'The IOC is not fighting for the fairness in sport. The IOC is giving away medals based on their political interests. Imane Khelif should be made to return the Olympic medal from Paris," he continued.
Kremlev reflected on the two times Khelfi had failed the gender eligibility test, due to presence of XY chromosome, first in 2022 and then again in 2023 and was disqualified from IBA events. Bach, however, gave the green light for the participation of Khelif at the global spectacle.
'The first test was carried out during the 2022 World Championships, after we noticed some suspicious, suspicious moments. We decided to test a group of athletes, not just one or two. Two of the results came back, let's say, abnormal," Kremlev revealed.
'It was the first time we had encountered a situation like this, so we felt it was necessary to conduct a second round of testing to be absolutely sure before making such a serious decision,' he added.
Kremlev went on to snipe at Bach stating that the German's decisions were often politically motivated.
'Thomas Bach has always put politics to the podium, not the athletes who should be there in fact. And that's why a lot of sponsors have refused working the IOC further, because they are violating sports principles," Kremlev continued.
'Thomas Bach is leaving his position and running away like a rat," he added.
'He should kneel and apologise to all the female boxers who became victims of this situation. And he should financially compensate every athlete who suffered. And of course, the Olympic medals should be returned," he added.
Bach, who made way for new IOC chief Kirsty Coventry at the helm of the international body, barred Russian athletes from taking part at the Olympics under the country's banner due to Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine. Kremlev questioned as to why Bach did not address the conflicts in the middle-east in the same manner.
'Why is he putting everything on Russia's shoulders? Why doesn't he comment on the situation between Israel and Iran, or between Israel and Gaza?'
Kremlev went to on laud USA President Donald Trump for his stance on the participation of transgender women in women's sport.
'As you know, Donald Trump signed an order stating that women's sport is for women and men's sport is for men. I'm absolutely confident that no one will be able to bypass this at the Olympic Games now, because the rules have become very strict," the 42-year-old said.
'Everyone is copying us — they're conducting gender tests and are now being forced to do so. What we were calling for all along, the rest of the world is finally doing. They can't avoid it anymore, because the order has been signed — it's now law in the United States," the Russian added.