Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif is required to undergo genetic sex screening to participate in future events regulated by the new governing body, World Boxing. This policy, announced recently, mandates sex testing for all athletes, specifically naming Khelif, who must be screened prior to competing at upcoming events like the Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands next month. The new “Sex, Age and Weight” policy aims to ensure fairness and safety for all participants.
Khelif gained international attention after winning gold at the Paris Olympics amidst scrutiny and competition from fellow gold medalist Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan. Both were disqualified from the 2023 world championships by the previous governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA), due to alleged eligibility issues. Khelif and Lin competed under the eligibility rules established by the IOC after the IBA’s ban for ongoing controversy.
World Boxing has introduced a policy requiring athletes over 18 years old to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to determine their sex at birth. This test can utilize saliva or blood samples. If an athlete in the women’s category is found to have male chromosomal material, further evaluations—including hormonal and anatomical assessments—will follow, with an appeals process in place.
Khelif, who has competed without incident prior to these developments, plans to return to international competition with aspirations to defend her title at the Los Angeles Olympics. The decision on sex eligibility in sports has sparked considerable debate, with calls from various factions advocating for rigorous standards, especially in light of the ongoing discussions surrounding transgender participation in athletics.
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