Gender test arranged by World Boxing for Olympic champion Khelif: an examination to confirm Khelif's sex after winning the Olympic gold medal in boxing.
International Boxing Association (IBA) Announces Mandatory Gender Tests for Athletes
The International Boxing Association (IBA), recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has introduced mandatory genetic gender tests for all athletes competing in its events. These tests will be carried out to ensure the safety of participants and create equal competition conditions for men and women.
This announcement comes in the wake of controversies surrounding the eligibility of some boxers, particularly Olympic champion Imane Khelif, who was at the center of gender debate during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The IBA has informed the Algerian national federation that Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the Eindhoven Box Cup (scheduled for June 5-10) or any other IBA event until she has undergone a genetic gender test, in accordance with the rules and testing procedures of the IBA.
The debut of these tests marks a new policy on gender, age, and weight by the IBA. The organization stated that the aim is to protect athletes in combat sports, especially given the physical risks associated with Olympic boxing. All athletes aged 18 and above will have to undergo a PCR genetic test to determine their birth gender and eligibility to compete. The test can be performed via nasal or oral swab, saliva, or blood.
Previously, the IBA was the governing body overseeing Olympic qualification and main international competitions, but it is now suspended and does not oversee these aspects at this time. The IOC took over the organization of the boxing tournaments in Paris and Tokyo after the IBA's suspension, while the IBA will take over in the 2028 Los Angeles games.
The IOC wants to keep boxing in the Olympic program but only with a reliable partner. Despite the ongoing controversy, Imane Khelif has been vocal about her intentions to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, should she meet the requirements of the new policy.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
Notes:- The changes to participation rules in international boxing have been introduced by "World Boxing," the provisional international governing body recognized by the IOC, not the IBA.- Starting July 1, 2025, all athletes over 18 wishing to compete in World Boxing events must undergo a PCR-based genetic test to determine chromosomal sex. Further evaluation may be required if tests reveal Y chromosome material in athletes seeking to compete in the female category. Failure to provide certification or submission of false documentation will render athletes ineligible and may result in sanctions against both the athlete and their National Federation. There is an appeals process, and support will be provided to athletes who receive adverse test results. The policy also enforces established rules regarding age and weight categories.- These new rules significantly affect Imane Khelif’s eligibility and participation in future international boxing events, pending her compliance with the updated sex verification requirements.
Sports, such as boxing, are now subject to mandatory genetic gender tests by the International Boxing Association (IBA) to ensure equal competition and participant safety. All athletes aged 18 and above, in both sports and boxing, will undergo PCR genetic tests to determine their birth gender and eligibility to compete.
