Boxing Authority Worldwide Undergoes Gender Verification for Olympic Medalist Khelif
World Boxing Announces Mandatory Gender Testing Policy
In a move aimed at promoting fairness and ensuring biological eligibility in female boxing, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has introduced mandatory genetic testing for all participants aged 18 and above. The policy unveiled by World Boxing applies to events it organizes or sanctions.
The impetus behind this policy change stems from controversies surrounding athletes like Olympic champion Imane Khelif of Algeria. Khelif has been involved in heated debates centered on gender eligibility due to her DNA showing XY markers, indicating a male karyotype, which was discovered during chromosome tests conducted at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.
Khelif, who has publicly identified as female and competed in the female category, won a gold medal at the Paris Games despite these test results. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was aware of these findings but permitted her participation.
This new policy seeks to clarify the eligibility of athletes like Khelif based on biological markers. The tests, which can be performed via nasal or oral swab, saliva, or blood, aim to prevent potential injuries due to biological differences and ensure competitive fairness.
However, the decision raises complex questions about identity, biology, and the fairness of allowing athletes with male chromosomal markers to compete in female categories.
It is worth noting that the IOC took over the organization of the boxing tournaments in Paris in 2024 and Tokyo in 2021 after the suspension of the IBA. World Boxing will resume the responsibility for the sport in Los Angeles in 2028. The IOC's wish to maintain boxing in the Olympic program hinges on a reliable partner.
Sources: ntv.de, dbe/dpa
In light of the controversies surrounding athletes in female boxing with ambiguous gender eligibility, such as Olympic champion Imane Khelif, sports organizations are taking action. World Boxing's new policy, applicable to events it organizes or sanctions, includes mandatory genetic testing for all participants aged 18 and above in sports like boxing, aiming to promote fairness and ensure biological eligibility.
