World Boxing President Issues Apology to Algerian Gold Medalist Imane Khelif Over Sex Testing Controversy
Source: news.source.manilatimes
World Boxing (WB) President Boris van der Vorst issued a formal apology to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif for the organization's announcement that singled her out regarding new mandatory sex testing policies. Khelif, a Paris Olympics gold medalist, was mentioned specifically in the policy release, prompting the apology after her privacy was breached. The new policy, set to begin on July 1, requires all boxers over 18 to undergo genetic testing to determine their sex at birth, a move that has stirred controversy among boxers and federations.
Key Points
World Boxing announced a new mandatory sex testing policy for boxers, effective July 1.
Olympic champion Imane Khelif was specifically mentioned in the announcement, leading to a formal apology from WB President Boris van der Vorst.
Khelif and Lin Yu-ting were previously disqualified from the 2023 world championships by the International Boxing Association but were cleared by the International Olympic Committee to compete in the Paris Olympics.
The new policy requires genetic testing to determine an athlete's sex at birth, with further screenings if necessary.
Some boxers and federations have criticized Khelif's inclusion in competitions due to the new policy.
Khelif plans to defend her gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
