World Boxing Announces Gender Verification for Olympic Champ Khelif (athlete)
World Boxing Introduces Mandatory Gender Tests
In a move aimed at ensuring fairness and safety in the sport, World Boxing has implemented a new policy requiring genetic testing for boxers over the age of 18 competing in events it organizes or sanctions.
The announcement, made by the International Boxing Association (AIBA), recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), follows increased scrutiny regarding gender identity in competitive boxing. The new policy targets athletes like Imane Khelif, who faced criticism during the 2024 Paris Games.
Under the new rules, boxers will undergo genetic testing to determine their birth gender and eligibility to compete. The testing can be conducted through nasal or oral swab, saliva, or blood samples.
The policy, which has been adopted by World Boxing's board and outlined in a letter to member federations, raises questions about privacy and the right to compete in one's identified gender category. This contrasts with the IOC's stance on self-determined gender identity, which allows athletes to compete based on their self-identified gender without targeted sex testing.
While the IOC advocates for fairness, inclusion, and non-discrimination, World Boxing's policy may potentially lead to debates about fairness and athlete rights in sports. The goal, however, is clear: to safeguard athletes in combat sports, particularly in light of the physical risks associated with Olympic-style boxing.
The implementation of these tests follows the suspension of the IBA, the previous world boxing body, by the IOC. World Boxing, now recognized as a partner by the IOC's Executive Board, will be responsible for organizing boxing tournaments in 2028 in Los Angeles, after the IOC took over the responsibility for the 2024 Paris Games and the 2023 World Championships.
Sources: ntv.de, dbe/dpa
Sports, such as boxing, are under Scrutiny due to the new gender testing policies implemented by World Boxing. Despite the International Olympic Committee's support for self-determined gender identity, World Boxing's stance on genetic testing could lead to debates about fairness and athlete rights in various sports, including boxing.
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