Indian sprinter Dutee Chand backed Algerian boxer Imane Khelif amidst the boxing controversy during the women's 60kg category pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. 

The controversy erupted following Italian pugilist Angela Carini's decision to abandon her bout against Khelif after just 46 seconds, citing that a punch from Khelif ‘hurt too much’ to continue. 

The abrupt end to the match, held on 1st August sparked a heated debate on social media, with some questioning the fairness of the contest and labeling Khelif as ‘biologically male’ and a ‘transgender’ athlete.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has since defended its decision to allow both female boxers to compete, despite the ongoing gender debate, stating that the athletes were facing ‘aggression’ due to an arbitrary decision.

Dutee Chand, who faced similar scrutiny in her career, spoke out against the controversy. Chand has a history of challenging the IOC's regulations concerning athletes with naturally high testosterone levels. In 2014, she successfully contested a rule that barred athletes with elevated testosterone from competing, arguing that such biological differences do not necessarily confer an unfair advantage. 

“In 2014, I challenged the IOC's rule that a person with a higher testosterone level should not participate in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. It was noted that hormonal level cannot increase athletic performance. I suffered a lot at that time. I faced a lot of controversy regarding my gender.” Dutee Chand told PTI. 

“Yesterday, during the Olympic match, (Angela) Carini gave up and now she is complaining about the Algerian boxer because of high testosterone levels. When you play in the Olympics, you undergo several tests. I don't think it is right to create controversy about this social media,” she concluded