World Boxing introduces mandatory sex tests for all fighters – DW – 05/30/2025
The introduction of mandatory gender testing is aimed at competitive fairness and safety. It also focuses directly on Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif.
World Boxing on Friday announced the introduction of mandatory gender tests for both male and female fighters who want to compete in sponsored competitions.
"The introduction of mandatory testing will be part of a new policy on 'Sex, Age and Weight' to ensure the safety of all participants and deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women," World Boxing said in a statement.
The federation said it made the decision in the aftermath of controversy centered around, among others, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif at last summer's Paris Olympics.
During a knockout round, Khelif's Italian opponent refused to fight her after baselessly claiming Khelif was not a woman because she hit too powerfully. Khelif went on to climb the ladder and win the gold medal.
World Boxing, which has been asked by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to organize the boxing competition for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, says it has informed the Algerian Boxing Federation that Khelif must submit to a gender test before being allowed to compete in the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands from June 5-10.
"World Boxing has written to the Algerian Boxing Federation to inform it that Imane Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes sex testing," read a statement from the world body.
National boxing federations will be required to test and confirm the gender of individual athletes and to provide certification thereof to World Boxing before they are allowed to compete.
Do the Olympic rules have to change? Athletes' rights activist Payoshni Mitra speaks with DW
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
How will gender testing work?
The new policy will require all athletes over 18 to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test before they will be allowed to participate in World Boxing-sanctioned events.
The tests are conducted with a nasal or mouth swab, or with a blood or saliva sample, in order to detect genetically specific material to determine a person's assigned sex at birth.
"The PCR test is a laboratory technique used to detect specific genetic material, in this case the SRY gene, that reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex," World Boxing said.
World Boxing said that athletes seeking to compete in women's categories will "be referred to independent clinical specialists for genetic screening, hormonal profiles, anatomical examination or other valuation of endocrine profiles by medical specialists," if initial test results show evidence of male chromosomal material.
The new policy also provides the possibility of appeal.
Imane Khelif has announced plans to defend her gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and is expected to return to international competition at Eindhoven next week.
"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," she said back in March.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
DW
3 days ago
- DW
World Boxing introduces mandatory sex tests for all fighters – DW – 05/30/2025
The introduction of mandatory gender testing is aimed at competitive fairness and safety. It also focuses directly on Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif. World Boxing on Friday announced the introduction of mandatory gender tests for both male and female fighters who want to compete in sponsored competitions. "The introduction of mandatory testing will be part of a new policy on 'Sex, Age and Weight' to ensure the safety of all participants and deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women," World Boxing said in a statement. The federation said it made the decision in the aftermath of controversy centered around, among others, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif at last summer's Paris Olympics. During a knockout round, Khelif's Italian opponent refused to fight her after baselessly claiming Khelif was not a woman because she hit too powerfully. Khelif went on to climb the ladder and win the gold medal. World Boxing, which has been asked by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to organize the boxing competition for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, says it has informed the Algerian Boxing Federation that Khelif must submit to a gender test before being allowed to compete in the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands from June 5-10. "World Boxing has written to the Algerian Boxing Federation to inform it that Imane Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes sex testing," read a statement from the world body. National boxing federations will be required to test and confirm the gender of individual athletes and to provide certification thereof to World Boxing before they are allowed to compete. Do the Olympic rules have to change? Athletes' rights activist Payoshni Mitra speaks with DW To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video How will gender testing work? The new policy will require all athletes over 18 to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test before they will be allowed to participate in World Boxing-sanctioned events. The tests are conducted with a nasal or mouth swab, or with a blood or saliva sample, in order to detect genetically specific material to determine a person's assigned sex at birth. "The PCR test is a laboratory technique used to detect specific genetic material, in this case the SRY gene, that reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex," World Boxing said. World Boxing said that athletes seeking to compete in women's categories will "be referred to independent clinical specialists for genetic screening, hormonal profiles, anatomical examination or other valuation of endocrine profiles by medical specialists," if initial test results show evidence of male chromosomal material. The new policy also provides the possibility of appeal. Imane Khelif has announced plans to defend her gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and is expected to return to international competition at Eindhoven next week. "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," she said back in March. Edited by: Zac Crellin
Int'l Business Times
3 days ago
- Int'l Business Times
Rooted In The Earth, India's Traditional Mud Wrestling Thrives
Crowds cheer as muscular men in tight loincloths slap sacred scented soil on their bulging thighs and arms for a mud wrestling bout in India. "When we fight, we sweat," said 33-year-old Mauli Jamdade, a wrestling star in Maharashtra state, rubbing red-brown earth onto his body for each clash. "The mud gives us grip and helps us grapple better." Unlike conventional wrestling matches played on mats with regulated draws, India's mud wrestling is more raw -- but has been the training ground for Olympic success. This style of wrestling, known as "kushti" or "dangal", has millennia-old roots but emerged during the period of India's Mughal rulers in the 16th century, blending traditional hand-to-hand combat with Persian martial arts. There are no blows or kicking, but plenty of throws to the ground, and it remains hugely popular. It took Jamdade over 15 minutes to defeat his rival, starting with a slow circling dance then twisting, turning and locking arms, before he pinned him down. The bout ends when one wrestler pins his opponent's back to the mud, irrespective of how long it takes. Both men and women Indian wrestlers have won medals at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games in the more regulated form of the sport. But it is the mud, not mat, version that is popular in swathes of rural areas -- with supporters saying it is not just a spectacle but a tradition that many want to uphold. Bank cashier Anil Harale ended his wrestling career after injuring his leg, but after work still slips out of his office clothes for a dirty wrestle. "I miss it," said the 46-year-old, who hopes his "unfulfilled dream" will be realised by his teenage son, an aspiring wrestler. Wrestler KD Jadhav, who took bronze at the 1952 Olympics -- the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal -- began his sporting career as a mud wrestler in Kolhapur, a city in Maharashtra. "It is from mud that wrestlers reach the Olympics," said excited fan Sachin Mote, among hundreds cheering the wrestlers at a bout. Kolhapur is a core base of the sport with its centuries-old residential gymnasiums known as talims. A picture of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman -- a deity worshipped by wrestlers for his strength and devotion -- gazes over waist-deep pits where the soil is dug. The earth is mixed with turmeric, yoghurt and milk, as well as neem tree leaves and oil, before it is ploughed and smoothened across the ring. For the wrestlers, the soil is sacred. "It is everything," said Jamdade. "There is nothing without it." More than a hundred wrestlers -- some as young as 10 -- train at the talim. It is an austere life. The rigorous training includes waking up before dawn, running, hundreds of push-ups, rope climbing and grappling. Tobacco and alcohol are strictly prohibited, phone usage is restricted and pre-marital relationships are considered a distraction. For Jamdade, the first year at the talim was all about gaining weight -- and that is an expensive affair. "There are people who weigh 125-130 kilos (275-285 pounds)," he said. "To fight with them, and match their strength, I need to be at least 120 kilos." So when he is not in the ring or training, Jamdade focuses on eating. That includes at least five kilos of goat meat each week, some 70 egg whites, 24 apples, leafy vegetables and dry fruits. He washes that down with at least 21 litres of milk, 14 litres of sweet lemon juice and a protein shake made with almonds, cashews, honey, cardamom seeds, honey and milk. His monthly food bill totals $350 but the prize money he has won helps his family, who are from a poor farming background. Winnings range from a few hundred dollars to $1,700 -- more than the annual average income of an agricultural household in India. While the popularity of more organised wrestling on mats has grown, Jamdade believes mud bouts have a safe future as a core part of village fairs. "Fairs will always continue," he said. "Mud wrestling will never end." Unlike conventional wrestling matches played on mats with regulated draws, India's "mud wrestling" is more raw AFP Young wrestlers rest as they watch others train at the Shree Shahu Vijayi Gangavesh Talim, a residential gymnasium in Kolhapur, India AFP Spectators watch a bout of traditional mud wrestling during competition AFP
Int'l Business Times
3 days ago
- Int'l Business Times
Reigning Champions Alcaraz, Swiatek Eyeing French Open Second Week
Carlos Alcaraz bids to book his place in the French Open last 16 on Friday, with defending women's champion Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka also in third-round action at Roland Garros. Second seed Alcaraz eased through his opening two matches in Paris, despite dropping a set against Hungary's Fabian Marozsan. Next up is a third-round meeting in the night session with 69th-ranked Bosnian Damir Dzumhur, who has made the last 32 for the first time since 2018 but struggled with a knee injury during his win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is the title favourite at Roland Garros after securing the Monte Carlo Masters and Italian Open trophies in the build-up to the clay-court major. He has reached the second week in 10 of his last 11 Slam appearances. "If I lose the focus in Grand Slams, in matches (that are) the best-of-five, it's much better to refocus your attention," he said. "You have more time, you have more sets just to be back if you lose your focus a bit." The 22-year-old Spaniard would secure a match against either American 13th seed Ben Shelton or Italian surprise package Matteo Gigante with a victory. World number 167 Gigante, playing in the main draw of a major for the second time, downed former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. Eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti arrived in Paris as one of the form players in the world after following a runner-up finish in Monte Carlo with semi-final runs in Madrid and Rome. The Italian has not dropped a set yet and has Argentina's world number 97 Mariano Navone next in his sights. "After the final in Monte Carlo there was I think a boost of confidence, of something inside that I needed to have," said Musetti. Danish 10th seed Holger Rune, who has never failed to reach the last 16, plays Frenchman Quentin Halys in his third-round match. Four-time winner Swiatek has dispelled some of the doubts surrounding her form with two comprehensive wins and takes on unseeded Romanian Jaqueline Cristian on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The Polish star brushed aside former US Open champion Emma Raducanu for the loss of just three games in round two, as she looks to reach a first final since lifting the French Open trophy last year. "I have been feeling good, and that's it," said Swiatek, hoping to become the first woman to win four successive Roland Garros titles since Suzanne Lenglen 102 years ago. "We'll see what's going to happen in the future. But for sure these two matches were pretty solid, so I'm happy with the performance." Swiatek could set up a tie against either former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina or 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. World number one Sabalenka continues her tilt at a maiden Roland Garros title against Serbian left-hander Olga Danilovic in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier. The Belarusian has not played Danilovic since a win in Madrid Open qualifying seven years ago. "She's playing great tennis. So am I," said Sabalenka. "It's going to be a fight. I love challenges, and I'm excited to face her." Chinese eighth seed Zheng Qinwen plays Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in an intriguing clash on Court Simonne Mathieu. The Olympic champion is hoping to extend her eight-match winning streak at Roland Garros after taking gold at the Paris Games last summer, but 18-year-old Mboko has already won five times on her run after coming through qualifying. "I'm expecting a big fight. I'm going to bring out a big fight against her," said Mboko. "I think it's going to be a very hard battle for me." Fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, the 2024 losing finalist, continues her campaign against Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva, while Elina Svitolina targets a third straight last-16 appearance against American Bernarda Pera. Iga Swiatek has won the Roland Garros title in four of the past five years AFP
