Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting have been disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships following a controversial sex chromosome test, the International Boxing Association (IBA) announced on Monday. The disqualification adds to the ongoing debate over gender eligibility in sports, particularly in light of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
The disqualification decision follows a storm of controversy surrounding both athletes. Khelif, who fought in the women’s division, was involved in a high-profile incident at the Paris Olympics when her Italian opponent withdrew from their match after enduring a series of punches. This situation intensified scrutiny over gender eligibility rules in boxing.
IBA chief executive Chris Roberts stated that while the specific results of the chromosome tests could not be disclosed, the tests indicated both athletes were ineligible. Roberts noted that these results were forwarded to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in June of the previous year, but no action had been taken by the IOC.
The IOC, which has stripped the IBA of its role as the global governing body for boxing, has criticized the IBA’s decision. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that Khelif and Lin Yu-ting were born and raised as women and had competed as women throughout their careers. The IOC described the IBA’s actions as arbitrary and discredited, affirming that there was no question about the athletes’ gender identity.
The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, with prominent figures such as author J.K. Rowling and Tesla founder Elon Musk expressing their views on the controversy. The focus on gender eligibility in sports continues to generate significant public and media interest as the Paris Olympics approach.