The International Boxing Federation (IBA) opposes the eligibility of two boxers suspected of having gender at the 2024 Olympics, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting.

Two boxers with suspected gender, Imane Khelif (Algeria) and Lin Yu Ting (Chinese Taipei), both reached the semi-finals in boxing at the 2024 Olympics. However, they faced a lot of opposition from many sides throughout the tournament.
IBA maintains its stance, opposing Imane Khelif’s participation in world boxing tournaments (Photo: Getty).

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) still allowed these two athletes to compete in the Olympics because they are female. However, they were found to have XY chromosomes in their genome. This leads to developmental differences in sex development (DSD). This is the factor that makes many boxers dissatisfied when facing two athletes who are “not completely female”.

Last year, the International Boxing Federation (IBA) disqualified Imane Khelif from the women’s world boxing championship in New Delhi, India, for failing a DNA test.

Now, the IBA still stands by its position. In its latest statement, the IBA said that it has repeatedly objected to the eligibility of two boxers, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting.

IBA Secretary General Chris Roberts stressed that the two boxers were tested twice in 2022 and 2023. Both times, the results showed that they were not eligible to participate in international tournaments.

“We cannot disclose the results of the blood tests, but we all understand the situation. We have received letters from the Algerian Olympic Committee and Chinese Taipei. IBA cannot disclose any information about the two female boxers,” said Chris Roberts.

The IBA also accused the IOC of “destroying women’s sport “ . However, the IOC has maintained its stance. In the coming days, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting will enter the semi-finals in their respective weight classes. They are already guaranteed bronze medals, but both want to go for gold.