Imane Khelif and New Regulations in Boxing
Imane Khelif, the Olympic gold medalist in boxing, faces a new requirement to participate in future competitions due to the recent policy changes by the newly established governing body, World Boxing. Announced on Friday, this new regulation mandates genetic sex testing for all athletes as part of their ‘Sex, Age and Weight’ policy aimed at fostering a safe and equitable environment in the sport.
Upcoming Competitions and Eligibility Challenges
Specifically, Khelif, along with other boxers, will need to complete this screening prior to her participation in upcoming events, including the Eindhoven Box Cup set for next month in the Netherlands.
Khelif’s situation has drawn significant attention given her recent victory at the Paris Olympics last summer, amidst international debate regarding her eligibility, alongside fellow gold medalist Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan. Their eligibility was previously challenged by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which barred them from competing in the 2023 world championships on vague grounds related to an unspecified eligibility test results.
IBA’s Controversies and Governing Changes
The IBA, once dominant in Olympic boxing, was expelled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to years of controversies, during which the IOC took over the management of boxing events at the past two Olympics, applying the established eligibility criteria that allowed Khelif and Lin to compete without controversy.
Future Participation and Dissent
As she aims to defend her title at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Khelif plans to return to the ring next month. However, her inclusion is not without dissent, as some of her competitors have voiced opposition to her participation. Meanwhile, World Boxing has received provisional approval to govern the sport at the upcoming Olympic Games, but faces increasing calls to clarify its sex eligibility standards.
New Testing Regulations
Under the new regulations, all athletes aged 18 and over must undergo PCR genetic testing, which can be performed using a simple saliva or blood sample to ascertain their sex at birth. Should any athlete competing in the women’s divisions test positive for male chromosomal material, further evaluations including hormonal profiling and anatomical assessments by independent medical experts will follow. Additionally, the policy incorporates a process for athletes to appeal decisions related to these screenings.
This comprehensive testing initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure fair competition within the boxing framework as it transitions to new governance under World Boxing.
