World Boxing insists upon a fresh sex test for Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif before she can resume her boxing career.
World Boxing Enforces New Genetic Sex Testing Rules for Competitors
In a significant move, the World Boxing organization announced on Friday the implementation of mandatory genetic sex testing for all competitors participating in its events. This decision comes in response to issues surrounding the eligibility of some athletes, notably Olympic gold-medalist Imane Khelif, who will be barred from all World Boxing competitions until undergoing the new testing procedures.
Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics but has faced scrutiny surrounding her gender, resulting from claims by the International Boxing Association (IBAs), now permanently banned from the Olympics, suggesting she and another boxer failed unspecified eligibility tests for the women's competition at last year's world championships.
The controversy prompted World Boxing to establish mandatory sex testing for all athletes seeking to compete in their events. The organization has indicated that Imane Khelif will be subject to sex testing before being allowed to participate in the female category at any World Boxing event.
In a letter addressed to the Algerian Boxing Federation, World Boxing stated that Khelif would not be permitted to compete in the female category at the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in June or any other World Boxing event until she undergoes genetic sex screening.
The new policy mandates that competitors take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to determine their sex at birth and eligibility to compete. The non-invasive test can be conducted via nasal/mouth swab, saliva, or blood sample, and the results will disclose the presence of the Y chromosome, determining the athlete's biological sex.
Studies have indicated that the PCR test is highly accurate, with an accuracy rate of 72% on non-adults and 97% on adults, according to a 2023 study published in Genes.
World Boxing emphasizes a commitment to respecting the dignity of all athletes while ensuring competitive fairness and safety. The testing requirements will take effect on July 1, 2025.
Sources:- World Boxing's mandatory genetic sex testing policy- Study on the accuracy of PCR tests for sex determination- IBA's permanent ban from the Olympics
In light of the genetic sex testing policy, the World Boxing organization has mandated that all competitors undergo this test for eligibility, merging news regarding the controversial athlete, Imane Khelif, with recent law updates ("World Boxing Enforces New Genetic Sex Testing Rules for Competitors"). This new policy could have implications on the sports world, urging a reevaluation of athletes' identities and fairness in competitions.
Coinciding with World Boxing's must-take PCR test for sex determination, the debate on crime and law also comes to light due to the usage of such tests, sparking discussions about privacy, athlete rights, and the extent to which organizations should go in the name of fairness ("Studies have indicated that the PCR test is highly accurate, with an accuracy rate of 72% on non-adults and 97% on adults, according to a 2023 study published in Genes").
