Australia’s first Muslim female boxer, Tina Rahimi, is gearing up for a significant showdown in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Rahimi, who earned bronze at the Commonwealth Games, is set to face off against the controversial Taiwanese boxer, Lin Hu-ting.
This clash is generating buzz, given the backdrop of recent controversies in the boxing world.
The spotlight on Hu-ting has intensified after the 2023 Women’s World Championships, where Hu-ting and Imane Khelif from Algeria were disqualified.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) revealed that these athletes had XY chromosomes, which led to their disqualification.
Despite not being transgender, the presence of male chromosomes raised questions about fairness in the sport.
The IBA’s move was aimed at maintaining competition integrity.
However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees the Olympic Games, has allowed both Khelif and Hu-ting to compete in Paris.
The IOC defended its decision, citing gender eligibility rules from the Tokyo 2020 Games, despite the athletes failing testosterone and gender tests in 2023.
The drama continues as Khelif swiftly defeated Italian boxer Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, leaving Carini with a broken nose and tears.
Rahimi, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and Pacific champion, is poised to face Hu-ting in the semifinals of the featherweight division if they both progress.
Tonight, Hu-ting will battle Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova, while Rahimi will take on Poland’s Julia Szeremeta.
Their performances will determine if they advance to the quarterfinals.
Rahimi and Hu-ting are on opposite sides of the draw, making their potential semifinal clash even more anticipated.
Rahimi’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Tina Rahimi, known for her hijab, professional makeup, and covering, is a proud advocate for inclusivity in sports.
Earlier in the tournament, she emphasized that every woman should have the chance to compete at the highest levels, regardless of appearance, ethnicity, or religion.
On Instagram, Rahimi expressed her belief that discrimination has no place in sport, particularly in the Olympics, which represents unity and opportunity.
She remarked, “No matter how you look or dress, what your ethnicity is or what religion you follow, we all come together to achieve that one dream. To compete and to win. No one should be excluded. Discrimination is not welcome in sport, specifically in the Olympics and what it stands for.”
From Fitness Enthusiast to Olympic Contender
Rahimi’s journey to the Olympics has been unconventional.
She initially took up boxing for fitness, never dreaming of becoming an Olympian. However, her bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games ignited her competitive spirit. She now aims to test her limits at the highest level in Paris.
Reflecting on her unexpected Olympic aspirations, Rahimi shared, “My Olympic dream is not similar to most people.
I never grew up dreaming about being an Olympian.
I never even watched the Olympics until Tokyo 2020. It was only after the 2022 Commonwealth Games that a goal sparked within me to qualify for the Olympics. I lost in the semifinals and secured a bronze medal, and I knew I wasn’t done just yet.”
TDPel Media
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