Sat May 31 03:18:47 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
World Boxing, the governing body for Olympic boxing, has implemented mandatory genetic sex screening for all boxers over 18 participating in its events. Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif is specifically mentioned and must undergo testing before competing in future events, including the Olympics. The new policy requires national federations to provide certification of athletes’ chromosomal sex based on PCR testing, which detects the presence of the Y chromosome. This decision follows a gender eligibility debate sparked by Khelif’s success and other high-profile cases, and reflects growing concerns about fairness in women’s sports.
**News Article:**
**Algerian Olympic Champion Faces Genetic Screening Hurdle Under New Boxing Rules**
World Boxing, the organization responsible for Olympic boxing, has announced a new mandatory genetic sex screening policy that directly impacts Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif. Khelif, who won gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris Olympics, must now undergo a PCR genetic test to confirm her eligibility to compete in the female category at any World Boxing event, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The new policy, announced Friday, requires all boxers over 18 to undergo PCR testing to determine their chromosomal sex at birth. National federations will be responsible for providing certification of their athletes’ sex based on the PCR test, which detects the presence of the Y chromosome.
World Boxing’s decision comes amidst a growing debate about gender eligibility in sports. Khelif’s Olympic success, along with other high-profile cases, ignited controversy, prompting discussions at the highest levels, including remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In March, Khelif asserted her identity as a woman, stating, “I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.” She also pointed out that the controversy began after she started achieving competitive success.
While Khelif has expressed her intention to compete in the 2028 Olympics, her participation hinges on the results of the required genetic screening. Khelif and the Algerian Boxing Federation have yet to respond to requests for comment.
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