Upon the Khelif case's resolution, the boxing body verified the implementation of gender tests.
World Boxing, the governing body responsible for organising boxing tournaments in major events such as the Paris (2024) and Tokyo (2021) Olympic Games, has announced a new policy aimed at ensuring fair competition in the women's category.
Beginning with the 2025 World Boxing Championships for women and applying to all World Boxing competitions from January 1, 2026, all athletes, including those in the women's division, will be required to undergo mandatory gender tests. These tests will determine their biological sex at birth, specifically checking for the presence or absence of Y chromosome material.
The policy, which is effective immediately, requires athletes over 18 to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or equivalent genetic test. Those with confirmed differences in sex development (DSD) and male androgenization will be required to compete in the men's category, unless they go through a comprehensive evaluation and appeals process.
National federations must conduct testing and submit certified results before athletes are allowed to compete. False certification may lead to monetary and other sanctions against the federations.
High-profile boxers like Taiwanese Olympic champion Lin Yu-ting are already undergoing these gender tests ahead of the World Championships, illustrating the policy's immediate impact on athletes.
The new policy is likely to affect gender eligibility criteria in upcoming Olympic Games boxing events as well, given World Boxing's leading role in Olympic qualification and the sport's governance.
The IOC, which suspended the International Boxing Association (IBA), has expressed its support for World Boxing's inclusion in the Olympic program. Despite excluding Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 World Championships, citing non-compliance with participation criteria and a competitive advantage, the IOC allowed both athletes to participate in the Paris Summer Games, stating the decision as "random" and without proper procedure.
Both Khelif and Lin won gold at the Paris Summer Games, further emphasising the need for clear and fair eligibility criteria. The passport-determined gender is the determining factor for admission to competitions, according to the IOC.
Looking ahead, World Boxing is set to take over the organization for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with the aim of balancing inclusivity with fairness and safety in a combat sport context. The new gender test guideline is a significant step towards achieving this goal, reflecting increased scrutiny and standardization around gender eligibility in international sport.
References:
- World Boxing News
- Boxing Scene
- ESPN
- BBC Sport
- SportsPro
