Gender Dispute in Paris Olympics Boxing: IOC Clears Boxers Amid Controversy

Amid a gender dispute, two female boxers, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, are allowed to compete in the Paris Olympics as they meet eligibility criteria, according to the IOC. Both have secured at least a bronze medal. The IOC disputes the credibility of gender tests conducted by the International Boxing Association and urges new governance for future events.

In a significant development at the Paris Olympics, two female boxers embroiled in a gender dispute have been allowed to stay in the competition as long as they continue to win. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting have met all the required eligibility criteria.

The IOC took charge of the boxing tournament in Paris after it stripped the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its recognition due to governance and finance issues. Despite their disqualification during the 2023 World Championships, both athletes have advanced to the semi-finals in their respective weight divisions.

The IBA initially claimed the boxers failed a gender eligibility test, but the IOC spokesperson Mark Adams dismissed these tests as arbitrary and illegitimate. He emphasized that the same eligibility rules applied at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics remain valid. The IOC also urged national boxing federations to establish a new global governing body to ensure the sport's inclusion in future Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)