World Boxing Admits Error, Apologizes for Naming Khelif in Mandatory Sex Testing

Daily Tribune

2 days ago

TDT | Manama
World Boxing has issued an apology after naming Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif in its announcement of mandatory sex testing for all competitors, acknowledging that her privacy was not adequately protected. The global governing body, recently granted provisional recognition to oversee boxing at the 2028 Olympics, now faces scrutiny over its handling of a sensitive issue.
A Controversial Announcement
Last week, World Boxing unveiled a new policy requiring all athletes over 18 to undergo a PCR genetic test to compete in its events. The test, which can be conducted via nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood, aims to standardise eligibility across the sport. However, the announcement drew attention for its specific reference to Khelif, stating that the Algerian Boxing Federation had been informed she 'may not participate in the female category' until complying with the testing requirement.
The mention of Khelif, who won gold in the women's 66kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics amid a gender eligibility controversy, sparked immediate backlash. The decision to single her out in a public statement raised questions about fairness and discretion in a sport already grappling with complex issues around gender and inclusion.
An Apology from the Top
In response, World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst took swift action. He personally wrote to Abdelkader Abbas, president of the Algerian Boxing Federation, to apologise for including Khelif's name in the announcement. A source confirmed that van der Vorst expressed regret, stating that the organisation should have taken greater care to safeguard Khelif's privacy. The apology reflects an acknowledgment that naming an individual in such a context risks amplifying personal and professional scrutiny.
Efforts to reach Khelif and the Algerian Boxing Federation for comment were unsuccessful, leaving their perspective on the matter unclear. The Algerian federation, which joined World Boxing in September, is one of over 100 national bodies aligned with the organisation since its inception in 2023.
Navigating a Sensitive Landscape
The incident comes at a delicate time for boxing. Khelif's Olympic gold in Paris was a moment of pride for Algeria but was overshadowed by debates over gender eligibility, with some questioning her participation in the women's category. World Boxing's new testing policy appears designed to address such controversies with a consistent framework, but its implementation has stumbled out of the gate.
The PCR test, described as a straightforward genetic screening process, is intended to ensure clarity and fairness in competition. Yet, by publicly linking the policy to Khelif, World Boxing inadvertently placed her back in the spotlight, reigniting discussions from the Paris Games. The organisation's apology signals an awareness of the need for greater sensitivity in handling such matters, particularly for athletes already navigating intense public scrutiny.
A Test for Boxing's Future
As World Boxing prepares to lead the sport into the 2028 Olympics, this episode highlights the challenges of balancing transparency, fairness, and respect for athletes' dignity. The organisation's provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee is a significant step toward unifying boxing's fractured governance, but incidents like this highlight the complexities involved.
For Khelif, the focus remains on her achievements in the ring, where she proved her dominance in Paris. How World Boxing moves forward—ensuring policies are applied equitably while protecting athletes' privacy—will be critical to maintaining trust among federations and competitors alike. For now, the sport's governing body has learned a hard lesson: clarity in policy must be matched by care in communication.