Algeria’s Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has been required to undergo mandatory genetic sex screening to continue competing in international boxing events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
World Boxing, the organisation provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to oversee boxing at the next Olympics, introduced a new policy mandating all boxers aged 18 and above to undergo genetic testing to confirm their eligibility to compete in male or female categories.
The organisation specifically named Khelif, the women’s welterweight gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, stating she would be barred from future competitions unless she complies with the new rules.
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at any World Boxing event until she undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures,” the statement said. The Algerian Boxing Federation has been formally informed.
According to the policy, boxers must undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect the presence of the SRY gene, which indicates the Y chromosome and is used to determine chromosomal sex at birth.
National boxing federations are responsible for conducting these tests and submitting certifications verifying an athlete’s sex before entry into any World Boxing-sanctioned event.
This move follows months of controversy over Khelif’s eligibility that escalated after her gold medal win in Paris. Her success, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, sparked a global debate about gender eligibility in women’s sports, drawing public comments from figures such as former US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Trump, who signed an executive order in February banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports in the US, also publicly commented on Khelif. In response, the 26-year-old boxer has consistently stated she is not transgender.
“For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one,” Khelif said in March, addressing the growing speculation.
She added, “I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships. All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles. But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.”
Khelif, focused on defending her title at the 2028 Olympics, has yet to respond to the latest policy. Reuters reported that attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful, and the Algerian Boxing Federation has not issued a statement.
World Boxing’s new policy is expected to intensify the ongoing global debate on gender identity and inclusion in sport. While some federations have adopted similar rules, critics argue these measures risk marginalising athletes who do not fit traditional gender categories or subjecting athletes who identify as women to invasive scrutiny despite their lifelong female identity.
