Debate Over Gender Eligibility: Female Athletes at 2024 Paris Olympics Defended

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended the right of Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan and Imane Khelif from Algeria to compete in women's boxing at the Paris Olympics. Both athletes had previously failed gender eligibility tests at the 2023 World Championships. The IOC maintains that they comply with the current eligibility rules.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has staunchly defended the rights of Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan and Imane Khelif of Algeria to participate in the women's boxing category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite their previous gender eligibility issues.

Both athletes, Lin and Khelif, were disqualified last year at the World Championships in New Delhi by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for failing gender tests. However, the IOC, which is running the boxing events in Paris, asserts that these athletes meet the competition's eligibility criteria, stating, 'They are women in their passports and it's stated that this is the case.'

This decision has sparked controversy, with critics questioning their inclusion. Regardless, Lin and Khelif are proceeding with their bids for Olympic medals, contending in their respective weight classes. The debate continues amid broader sports policy shifts regarding gender in athletics.

(With inputs from agencies.)