What sparked the Imane Khelif sex testing controversy in the boxing world?
Imane Khelif is an Algerian boxer who shone at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her journey, filled with triumphs and struggles, has taken a new turn as World Boxing, the sport’s new governing body, introduces mandatory sex testing for all athletes.
Let’s dive into what this means for Khelif and the world of boxing.
Imane Khelif Sex Testing Controversy: A Golden Victory Under Scrutiny
Imane Khelif made headlines when she won the women’s welterweight gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Her powerful performance at the Roland Garros stadium earned her cheers from fans and pride from her home country, Algeria. However, her victory wasn’t without controversy.
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Before the Olympics, Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The IBA claimed she failed an unspecified gender eligibility test, sparking debates about her right to compete in women’s boxing.
Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to fight in Paris, as their rules only required a passport identifying her as female.
Khelif has always identified as a woman, stating, “I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.”
Her Olympic win was a moment of triumph, but the spotlight on her eligibility never faded.
World Boxing’s New Rules
What are the ethical concerns surrounding mandatory genetic testing in sports?
World Boxing, now recognized by the IOC to oversee boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, announced a major policy change on May 30, 2025.
All boxers over 18 must undergo a genetic sex test, specifically a PCR test, to determine their sex at birth. This test looks for the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome, to decide if an athlete can compete in the male or female category.
For Khelif, this means she cannot participate in events like the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in June 2025 until she completes the test.
World Boxing says the policy is about ensuring safety and fairness for all athletes, but it has reignited discussions about Khelif’s career.
The organization sent a letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation, clearly stating that Khelif is ineligible to compete in women’s events until she complies with the new rules.
What’s Next for Khelif?
The new testing requirement has put Khelif at a crossroads. She plans to defend her Olympic title in 2028, but this rule could complicate her path.
Some see the policy as a step toward clarity in a sensitive issue, while others view it as unfair, pointing to Khelif’s long history of competing as a woman without issue until her 2023 disqualification.
The debate has drawn attention from figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized her Olympic participation, and women’s rights groups pushing for stricter rules.
Khelif has also faced online harassment, leading her to file a lawsuit in France over cyberbullying. As she prepares for her next steps, the boxing community and fans are left wondering: will this test define her future, or will her resilience carry her forward?
This situation raises bigger questions about fairness, safety, and inclusion in sports. World Boxing’s policy aims to create a level playing field, but it also highlights the challenges of applying strict rules to complex human identities.
For now, Khelif’s story is far from over, and her next moves will likely shape the conversation around gender in boxing for years to come.