Boxing Contender Imane Khelif Barred: World Boxing Enforces Gender Tests
Boxing authority administers sex verification tests, hinders Khelif from competition start - Boxing World Federation Implements Gender Verification Procedures Preventing Khelif from Competing
In a stride towards ensuring safety and fair competition, the World Boxing organization has announced mandatory gender tests. The new policy, part of a revised guideline on gender, age, and weight, aims to safeguard all participants and create equal competitive conditions for both males and females.
This development spells immediate consequences for Olympian Imane Khelif, who was at the center of a heated gender debate at the Paris Games. Khelif won't be allowed to compete at the Eindhoven Box Cup from June 5-10, as well as other World Boxing events, until she submits to a genetic gender test according to World Boxing's rules and testing procedures.
A letter to the Algerian National Boxing Federation stated that Khelif would not be permitted to participate in any World Boxing events until she undergoes the test.
Memory Lane: Gender Row over Tests at Olympics
The conversation surrounding Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting ignited a considerable uproar during the Paris Games. Both boxers were disqualified, according to the International Boxing Association (IBA), which is no longer recognized by the IOC, from the 2023 World Championships. IBA argued that both athletes had failed to meet participation criteria and were granted competitive advantages compared to other women participants.
The IOC deemed the decision arbitrary and lacking proper procedure, allowing Khelif and Lin to compete in Paris. Despite their recorded gender, the IOC stated that it is crucial for various sports for inclusion in competitions. Both ladies took home gold in their respective categories.
World Boxing, which was recognized as an IOC partner in February, is now establishing stricter rules. In a statement, the organization wrote, "These new participation rules were designed specifically to protect athletes participating in combat sports, particularly in light of the physical risks associated with Olympic boxing."
The Boxing Games Stay in the Olympic Programme
Moving forward, all athletes above 18 years who wish to participate in any World Boxing-RUN events will be required to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to establish their sex at birth and competitive eligibility. The test can be performed via nasal, oral, or salivary swab or blood sample.
In previous iterations, the responsibility for organizing boxing tournaments, such as the Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2021 games, laid with the IOC following the IBA's suspension. In 2028 Los Angeles, however, World Boxing will take over control. Outgoing IOC head Thomas Bach emphasized at the Paris Games that boxing would remain in the olympic program, but only with a reliable partner.
- Imane Khelif
- IOC
- Olympia
"Despite her victory in the Paris Games, Olympian Imane Khelif is currently barred from participating in World Boxing events due to a requirement for a genetic gender test, a new policy established by the organization to ensure fair competition and equal opportunities in sports."
"In light of the stricter participation rules set by World Boxing, Imane Khelif, along with other athletes, will now be required to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm their sex at birth and competitive eligibility, as the organization works towards enhancing the safety and fairness of all combat sports."
