World Boxing Announces Gender Verification for Olympic Medalist Khelif
Boxing World Governing Body Implements Gender Testing Policy Following Olympic Champion's Victory
In response to the ongoing debate about gender, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has established a new policy that mandates gender testing for all boxers seeking participation in their competitions, with immediate consequences for Olympic champion Imane Khelif.
The policy, which aims to ensure the safety and fair competition for both males and females, requires a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to determine an athlete's birth sex. The test can be conducted via nasal or oral swab, saliva, or blood, affecting everyone aged 18 and above participating in AIBA events.
Initially sparked by concerns in the women’s category, AIBA's new rule has led to the exclusion of prominent champions, like Khelif, from competitions until they undergo the mandatory genetic sex screening. In accordance with AIBA's instructions, the Algerian boxer is currently prohibited from participating in the Eindhoven Box Cup (June 5-10) and other World Boxing events.
TheIOC took control of the boxing tournaments in the Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2021 Games after AIBA was suspended. The outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach emphasized the organization's intention to preserve boxing in the Olympic program, only with a reliable partner. In 2028, World Boxing is slated to resume control at the Los Angeles Games.
The controversy surrounding Khelif began at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won gold. The International Boxing Association (IBA), AIBA's predecessor, excluded her from the 2023 World Championships due to unclear gender testing results that contradicted Khelif's passport information. However, the IOC deemed the decision arbitrary and allowed Khelif to participate in the games.
The introduction of AIBA's gender testing policy marks a significant shift in policy, as it immediately impacts athlete eligibility, privacy, and the integrity of competition. The attention surrounding Imane Khelif's situation underscores the need for balance between fair competition and inclusion in the world of sports.
In light of the new gender testing policy established by AIBA for boxing competitions, sports enthusiasts may now see a greater emphasis on fairness and safety in both male and female categories. The policy, which requires a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test for all participants aged 18 and above, has significantly impacted the eligibility of athletes, as evidenced by the exclusion of Olympic champion Imane Khelif from recent competitions like the Eindhoven Box Cup.
