Genetic sex testing mandatory for Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif in eligibility for new governing body competition
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Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif faces a compulsory genetic test to participate in future boxing events, thanks to World Boxing's recent policy mandating such screenings.
On Friday, World Boxing announced that athletes aged 18 and above competing in its tournaments must submit to a PCR test to determine their sex at birth. This test detects chromosomal material through a mouth swab, saliva, or blood sample.
World Boxing outlined in a statement that anyone found to have male chromosomal material intending to compete in the women's category would be subjected to additional screening by independent medical specialists. These checks may include genetic screening, hormonal profiles, anatomical examination, or evaluation of endocrine profiles.
Khelif, the Algerian boxing champion who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics last summer, is among those required to undergo this screening before being allowed to compete in upcoming events, including the Eindhoven Box Cup next month in the Netherlands.
This new policy follows a tumultuous period in Olympic sex eligibility policy, with the transgender participation in sports becoming a global hot topic. World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, was the first to reintroduce chromosome testing, requiring athletes competing in women's events to undergo the test once in their careers.
Khelif, who has publicly identified as female and lived her entire life as a girl, has previously competed in women's boxing events without controversy until the 2023 world championships. She made a dominant showing in the women's welterweight division in Paris, becoming the first major international competition win of her career.
The policy includes an appeals process and offers support to athletes who receive adverse test results. Nationally recognized boxers and their federations have already spoken out, expressing concerns about Khelif's inclusion in competitions.
While chromosome testing was common in Olympic sports during the 20th century, it was largely abandoned in the 1990s due to numerous ambiguities. In response, many sports switched to hormone testing to determine sex eligibility. Nevertheless, these tests require governing bodies to make difficult decisions regarding the eligibility of women with naturally high testosterone levels.
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Enrichment Data:World Boxing has introduced a new policy mandating genetic sex screening for all boxers participating in its competitions from July 1, 2025. The screening involves PCR testing to identify the SRY gene, which is almost always located on the Y chromosome and crucial for male sex development. Failure to provide accurate certification or false information may result in athlete ineligibility and sanctions for both the athlete and their National Federation. The policy includes an appeals process and offers support to athletes who receive adverse test results.
Sports organisations are increasingly implementing rigorous screening processes to ensure fair competition in various sports. For example, World Boxing introduced a genetic sex screening policy in 2025, targeting boxers participating in its competitions.
This policy mandates a PCR test to identify the SRY gene, crucial for male sex development, and failure to comply could lead to an athlete's ineligibility and sanctions for their National Federation.
