Boxing authority head issues apology to Imane Khelif for her inclusion in sex verification policy
World Boxing, the new governing body for boxing in the Olympics, has been under fire for singling out Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxing champion, in their recent announcement of mandatory sex testing. This fiasco started due to the continuous disputes surrounding Khelif's eligibility to compete in women's events, fueled by leaked medical documents and allegations that she has XY (male) chromosomes.[2][3]
This controversy originated when the previous governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA), disqualified Khelif and another athlete from its 2023 world championships due to certain eligibility tests.[2]
In an attempt to clear up any confusion, World Boxing declared that all boxers, above the age of 18, will undergo a mandatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to ascertain their sex at birth.[1][2] This test detects chromosomal material via a mouth swab, saliva, or blood sample. If an athlete intending to compete in women's categories shows male chromosomal material, further screening by independent clinical specialists, hormonal profiles, anatomical examination, or other endocrine evaluations by medical experts may be required.[1]
An appeals process has been included in the policy. Unfortunately, for Khelif, this means she won't be able to compete in the Eindhoven Box Cup, as she previously planned, due to these new testing requirements.[1]
Khelif is determined to defend her gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, but some boxers and their federations have already voiced criticisms about her inclusion.[1] However, Khelif's Paris Olympic gold medal is still secure, as the rules in place during those Games allow her to keep it.[3]
World Boxing's president, Boris van der Vorst, reached out to the Algerian Boxing Federation to apologize for the incident, recognizing that Khelif's privacy should have been protected.[1] In his letter, Van der Vorst expressed hope that by addressing the matter directly, World Boxing shows its genuine respect for athletes and their federations.[1]
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criticized her inclusion.
- The dispute over Imane Khelif's eligibility in women's boxing has led to criticism, not just about her inclusion, but also the introduction of mandatory genetic testing, which echoes the atmosphere in heated sports debates akin to debates about war strategies.
- Despite the controversy surrounding her, Imane Khelif remains undeterred in her pursuit of defending her gold medal in boxing, much like a warrior refusing to back down in the face of adversary, as she aspires to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
