Angela Carini, an Italian boxer, has stated she ‘wants to apologise’ to Algeria’s Imane Khelif after their women’s 66kg match at the Paris Olympics.

Carini, who was defeated by Khelif in 46 seconds, refused to shake hands and burst into tears after the battle.

Carini cited considerable discomfort from a nose injury as the reason she decided to end the match.

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In an interview with the Italian daily Gazzetta, she expressed regret for her actions and the resulting scandal.

Angela Carini stated that she was “sad for my opponent” and clarified that her refusal to shake hands was not intentional.

“I want to apologize to her and everyone else.

“I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke,” Carini said.

She reiterated that, while she stood by her choice to end the fight, the absence of a handshake was an emotional reaction rather than a purposeful disrespect.

The issue involving Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, who were both disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships, has heightened the atmosphere.

Despite being disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA), both boxers will compete in the Paris Games under International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules.

The IOC has emphasised that Khelif and Lin conform with current competition eligibility standards, and the IBA’s disqualification was judged unjustified.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams assured that all athletes, including Khelif and Lin, met the Olympic Games eligibility requirements.