To the World Cup in Liverpool: According to Khelif case: Boxing association confirms gender tests

The Boxing Association World Boxing confirmed the introduction of gender tests almost two weeks before the World Cup. All boxers who want to start in the women’s category from September 4th to 14th in Liverpool must therefore complete the mandatory test.

“The guideline is intended to ensure the security of all participants and create equal competitive conditions for men and women,” said World Boxing in a press release.

New guideline now in force

All athletes over the age of 18 would have to undergo a PCR test or a functional, medically equivalent genetic screening test to determine their birthplain, according to the letter. The new guideline comes into force from today.

The guideline was developed by a working group consisting of members of the medical department and the anti-doping committee within World Boxing, the organization said. Experts were also consulted and “legal, social and sporting developments in connection with the question of gender appropriation” were discussed.

Olympic vortex as a trigger

At the summer games in Paris, the debate about Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan had triggered massive vertebrae and accepted a socio-political dimension. Both boxers were excluded by the 2023 World Cup after the Association IBA, which is no longer recognized by the International Olympic Committee. According to the IBA, both would not have met the necessary participation criteria and had “competitive advantages compared to other female participants”.

The IOC called it an “arbitrary decision without proper procedure” and had Khelif and Lin participate in Paris. The gender given in the passport was decisive for admission to the competitions, was a reason. Both won gold. It is open whether Khelif will undergo the test or may complain against the decision.

IOC wants to keep boxing in the Olympic program

World Boxing was recognized by the IOC Executive Council as a partner in February. For the organization of the boxing tournaments in Paris in 2024 and three years earlier in Tokyo, the IOC had taken responsibility after the IBA suspension. In 2028 in Los Angeles, World Boxing is supposed to take over the organization.