Following the Khelif case, the boxing association publicly verified the implementation of gender tests.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made significant strides in the world of boxing, with the recognition of World Boxing as a partner for the boxing tournaments in the upcoming Paris and Los Angeles Olympics.
In a surprising turn of events, the IOC allowed Khelif and Lin, who both won gold in the Summer Games in Paris, to participate despite the International Boxing Association (IBA)'s decision to exclude them from the 2023 World Championships due to unexplained gender tests.
The IOC's decision to override the IBA's decision was considered arbitrary and without proper procedure by the committee. The gender indicated in the passport remains the determining factor for admission to competitions, as explained by the IOC.
In light of this, the IOC has taken on the responsibility for organizing the boxing tournaments in the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after the IBA suspension. The new guideline regarding gender tests comes into effect today.
All athletes over the age of 18 must undergo a PCR test or a functional, medically equivalent genetic screening test to determine their birth gender. The purpose of the gender tests is to ensure the safety of all participants and create equal competitive conditions for men and women.
The development of this guideline involved discussions on legal, social, and sporting developments related to the question of gender eligibility. Experts were consulted during the process, and the guideline was developed by a working group consisting of members of the medical department and the anti-doping committee within World Boxing.
World Boxing is scheduled to take over the organization of the boxing tournaments in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The World Boxing Championships will be held in Liverpool from September 4th to 14th. All female boxers competing in the women's category will undergo gender tests, as mandated by the new guidelines.
The status of whether Khelif will undergo the gender test or possibly appeal against the decision is currently unknown. However, the IOC is aiming to keep boxing in the Olympic program, ensuring a bright future for the sport.
