Following the Khelif controversy, the boxing organization announced plans for mandatory gender testing.

World Boxing Association Introduces New Gender Tests for Female Boxers

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has taken a significant step in ensuring the safety and fairness of its competitions by introducing new gender tests for female boxers participating in the World Championships. Effective immediately, all athletes over 18 years old must undergo a PCR test or a functional, medically equivalent genetic screening test to determine their birth gender.

The new guideline, announced in a press release, was developed by a working group consisting of members of the medical department and the anti-doping committee within the WBA. The aim is to create fair competition conditions for both men and women, ensuring the safety of all participants.

This development comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the exclusion of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 World Championships due to unexplained gender tests. The International Boxing Association (IBA) was responsible for organizing the boxing tournaments in previous years, but the WBA is set to take over this role for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The IBA's decision was considered arbitrary and without proper procedure by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which allowed Khelif and Lin to participate in the Paris Summer Games in 2024, with the gender indicated in their passports determining their admission to the competitions. However, the outcome of whether Khelif will undergo the new gender tests or potentially challenge the decision regarding the gender tests is uncertain.

The WBA was recognized as a partner by the IOC Executive Board in February, but there is no specific information available about when the International Olympic Committee will decide on Imane Khelif's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after her exclusion from the 2023 World Championships.

Experts were consulted, and legal, social, and sporting developments related to the issue of gender eligibility were discussed during the development of the guideline. The WBA's organization of the 2028 Los Angeles Games is not affected by this controversy.

It is worth noting that both Khelif and Lin won gold at the Paris Summer Games, highlighting their significant talent in the sport. The new gender tests aim to ensure that all athletes can compete on a level playing field, fostering a fair and inclusive environment for all participants.

The WBA's commitment to fairness and safety is evident in its introduction of these new gender tests. As the sport continues to evolve, it is crucial that organisations like the WBA take steps to ensure that all athletes have the opportunity to compete fairly and safely.

Following the Khelif controversy, the boxing organization announced plans for mandatory gender testing.