Olympic Boxer Imane Khelif Appeals World Boxing Genetic Sex Test Ban

Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif is challenging World Boxing's new mandatory genetic sex testing policy, seeking to participate in upcoming events without undergoing the test. Khelif, who won gold in women's welterweight at the 2024 Paris Olympics after being cleared by the IOC despite prior disqualification by the International Boxing Association, argues that the policy is unfair and damaging to athletes. World Boxing introduced the sex testing mandate in May amid ongoing debates over gender eligibility in the sport, and Khelif has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which has so far dismissed requests to suspend the ban pending the case. The controversy highlights tensions between different governing bodies' eligibility standards and the privacy concerns of athletes, with Khelif maintaining her commitment to defend her title at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The IOC has also formed a task force to examine gender eligibility rules, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.