Gold-Winning Boxer Sidelined: Controversial Gender Tests Cause Stir at 2024 Olympics
Participant Khelif Absent from Tournament Following Implementation of Gender Verification Tests
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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif found herself in the spotlight, causing a stir during the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Her impressive gold medal win led to accusations from conservative circles that she's actually biologically male. The athlete was subsequently barred from participating in a tournament following the implementation of stringent gender tests.
World Boxing's introduction of gender tests just days before the event in the Netherlands was the reason for Khelif's absence, according to Dirk Renders, Eindhoven Box Cup spokesperson, who spoke to AFP. "World Boxing made the call," Renders confirmed.
In late May, the International Boxing Association (IBA) announced gender tests to verify the eligibility of male and female competitors for their events. The Olympics saw Khelif at the center of heated discussions before the event in the Netherlands, with World Boxing informing the Algerian federation that Khelif required a PCR test to prove her gender eligibility in order to participate in Eindhoven (till June 10).
New Gender Tests: Boxing Arena Abuzz with Controversy
The PCR test, a standard laboratory procedure, is used to identify specific genetic markers, like the SRY gene, indicative of the presence of the Y chromosome. National federations have to submit a chromosomal gender certificate, based on PCR test results, when registering their athletes for IBA competitions. Those aged 18 and above are subject to these tests.
Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yuting faced turmoil in 2023, being excluded from the IBA World Championships for allegedly failing testosterone tests. Initially, both competitors were not allowed to compete in Paris due to their gender eligibility concerns. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, upheld their participation, considering only the gender stated in each athlete's passport. Like Lin, Khelif clinched gold in her weight division, despite being targeted with vitriolic attacks by conservative groups branding her as "a man manifesting in women's competitions."
[Source: ntv.de, sue/sid]
- Boxing
Enrichment Data:- Amid intensifying debates and accusations regarding Khelif's biological sex, a re-evaluation of her results in the 2023 Women's World Championships led to the revelation of XY chromosomes[4]. Since then, she has faced criticism for competing in women's boxing events.- Despite opposition from local officials and advocates demanding greater inclusivity[1][5], the Eindhoven Box Cup organizers maintained that Khelif did not register in time for the event, with gender tests being the underlying reason for her non-participation[5].
Sports, particularly boxing, have been embroiled in controversy following the implementation of gender tests at various competitions. For instance, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was barred from participating in the Eindhoven Box Cup due to these tests. World Boxing's decision to conduct stringent gender tests just days before the event led to Khelif's absence.
