Gender Dispute Rocks Paris Olympics Boxing Tournament

Two female boxers, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, remain in the Paris Olympics boxing competition amid a gender eligibility dispute. The IOC rejected prior disqualifications imposed by the International Boxing Association, citing proper eligibility criteria. Both athletes have progressed to the semi-finals, each securing at least a bronze medal.

The two female boxers at the center of a gender eligibility dispute will continue to compete in the Paris Olympics as long as they keep winning, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC confirmed on Monday that Imane Khelif from Algeria and Taiwan's double world champion Lin Yu-ting, who have advanced to the semi-finals of their weight divisions, meet all necessary eligibility criteria.

The IOC assumed responsibility for the boxing tournament after stripping recognition from the International Boxing Association (IBA) last year, citing governance and financial failures. Despite being disqualified by the IBA during the 2023 World Championships following chromosome tests, the IOC has ruled out those tests as illegitimate.

Mark Adams, an IOC spokesperson, highlighted that both athletes have been competing without issues for six years and are fully eligible for the Paris Games. This ruling means Khelif, who faces Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng, and Lin, who will box against Turkey's Esra Kahraman Yildiz, each have a shot at enhancing their medal counts. The IOC's decision underscores its commitment to fair competition, but the long-standing conflict with the IBA continues, with calls for the establishment of a new global boxing governing body.

(With inputs from agencies.)