World Boxing Association introduces gender tests: Olympic champion Khelif affected!

World Boxing Association introduces gender tests: Olympic champion Khelif affected!

Boxing association World Boxing recently announced the introduction of mandatory gender testing for male and female athletes in its competitions. This measure is part of a new policy that also regulates the age and weight of participants. The aim is to ensure the safety of all participants and to create a level playing field for men and women. This decision comes after the controversy surrounding Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif, who came into focus due to questions about her gender identity. According to ZVW reports that Khelif will not be able to take part in the Eindhoven Box Cup as she must take a genetic gender test before taking part.

The stipulation that all athletes over the age of 18 must complete a PCR genetic test to determine their birth gender is a central part of this new regulation. The test can be done via a nose or mouth swab, as well as saliva or blood. National associations are responsible for ensuring the testing of their athletes by providing appropriate confirmation of gender based on the PCR test. The measure was introduced in response to past challenges when Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting were excluded from the 2023 World Championships for failing unspecified gender tests.

Reactions and contexts

The reaction to the decision was mixed. While the outgoing IOC boss Thomas Bach emphasized that boxing should remain in the Olympic program if a reliable partner is available to organize it, the debate about gender identity in sport is extremely controversial. Imane Khelif, who was allowed to take part in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, described the discussion about her femininity as “bullying”. She sees her Olympic victory as a response to criticism of her gender identity and past exclusion from established associations.

The discussion about gender tests has also brought increased awareness of the issue of intersexuality. As explained by the Tagesschau, intersexuality means the presence of both male and female characteristics. Sociologist Dennis Krämer from the University of Münster emphasizes that the topic is receiving increasing attention in competitive sports and notes that the rules in athletics already regulate testosterone levels for intersex athletes. These values ​​not only vary across sports, but also vary across biological women, further complicating the discussion about fairness in sports.

World Boxing's new rules, which also affect counting testosterone in other sports, are intended to help integrate intersex athletes into existing competition systems. Nevertheless, widespread acceptance and fair treatment of these athletes remains a complex and challenging issue. The efforts to make sport more inclusive are also reflected in the initiatives to introduce mixed team competitions at the Olympic Games.

Overall, World Boxing's introduction of gender testing highlights the complex challenges associated with gender identity and sporting fairness. While the measures are intended to protect athletes, the discussion about the rights and recognition of intersex and transgender athletes remains a central social issue.