Gold Medal Boxer Imane Khelif Is Unable To Compete Unless She Undergoes Genetic Sex Testing
Imane Khelif has been barred from pro-boxing events unless she undergoes a mandatory test to determine her sex.
Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is ineligible to compete in upcoming World Boxing events until she undergoes mandatory genetic sex testing. This decision follows the rules of a new policy by World Boxing, the sport’s governing body recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), requiring all athletes over 18 to undergo testing to confirm eligibility for gender-specific categories.
Khelif’s eligibility came under scrutiny during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured gold in the women’s boxing category. Before the Olympics, she was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships by the International Boxing Association due to alleged gender eligibility concerns. However, the International Olympic Committee, which had suspended its recognition of the International Boxing Association, allowed Khelif to compete in Paris, saying she complied with all eligibility requirements.
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The new policy mandates PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing to detect the presence of the Y chromosome. The test aims to ensure fair competition and athlete safety in combat sports. While the policy applies to all boxers, World Boxing has singled out Khelif, stating that her participation in future events is contingent upon compliance with taking this test.
A letter from World Boxing to the Algerian Boxing Foundation on 30 May 2025 states:
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures. 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.”
The controversy has ignited a broader and increasingly urgent conversation around gender verification practices in sports. At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental tension between ensuring fairness in competition and respecting the personal rights of athletes. Many critics argue that current methods of gender testing can be deeply invasive, raising serious concerns about bodily autonomy, privacy, and the potential for long-term psychological harm.
Khelif, who has previously endured public scrutiny and online abuse over questions related to her gender identity, has taken legal action against individuals and media organizations involved in perpetuating that harassment. Her experience underscores the deeply personal toll such controversies can take.
More than just an isolated case, Khelif’s situation brings to light the evolving and often uncomfortable intersection of science, policy, and human dignity in modern athletics. As sporting institutions grapple with how to define and regulate gender eligibility, her story serves as a powerful reminder that behind every regulation is a real person—one whose rights, identity, and humanity must not be lost in the debate.
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