World Boxing Set To Introduce Mandatory Gender Testing

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 23:21 IST

The governing body announced the introduction of mandatory gender tests in order to determine the eligibility of pugilists who intend to participate in its events.

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics 2024. (X)

World Boxing announced the introduction of mandatory gender tests in order to determine the eligibility of pugilists who intend to participate in the governing body’s events.

The move comes in response to the ubiquitous uproar stirred up during the Paris 2024 Olympic games over the participation of boxer Imane Khelif in the women’s category. The Algerian boxer, who clinched women’s welterweight gold medal at the Games in France, has been informed that she would have to take the test in order to be able to compete at the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands.

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“World Boxing has written to the Algerian Boxing Federation to inform it that Imane Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes sex testing," the world governing body said.

“In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress. However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change," World Boxing continued.

“In May 2025, the Executive Board exercised this authority and adopted new eligibility criteria for participation in sex-specific boxing categories. These new eligibility rules were developed with the express purpose of safeguarding athletes in combat sports, particularly given the physical risks associated with Olympic-style boxing," the statement added.

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The controversy at Paris around the gender eligibility was not limited to Khelif alone as Taiwanese pugilist Lin Yu-Ting also faced scrutiny over the same en route to her gold triumph in the women’s featherweight category.

Then IOC chief Thomas Bach defender the participation of the boxers in their respective events stating that, “There was never any doubt about them being a woman".

World Boxing will organise the boxing competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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