Paris, France — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strongly criticized the International Boxing Association (IBA) over controversial gender eligibility tests conducted on two female boxers, deeming the tests flawed and illegitimate. The dispute centers on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s double world champion Lin Yu-ting, who were disqualified from the 2023 World Championships based on these tests but have been cleared to compete in the Paris Olympics 2024.
According to IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, the testing process at the World Championships was arbitrary and lacked credibility. “Those tests are not legitimate. The tests themselves, the process of the tests, the ad hoc nature of the tests are not legitimate,” Adams said during a press conference. He criticized the timing and methodology of the tests, which were conducted late in the competition after the boxers had already participated in several bouts.
The IOC’s condemnation of the IBA comes after the organization was stripped of its status as the governing body of boxing last year due to issues with governance and finance. The IOC has since taken over the management of the boxing competition for the Paris Games, applying eligibility rules from the 2016 and 2021 Olympics.
The dispute has intensified as Khelif and Lin advance to the semi-finals in their respective weight categories at the Paris Olympics. Khelif’s dominant performance in her round-of-16 welterweight fight, which led to her opponent Angela Carini withdrawing, has sparked controversy and social media debate. In response to the situation, the IBA has promised to compensate Carini with $50,000, further fueling the ongoing conflict.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed support for Lin, praising her resilience and strength amid the controversy. The IOC has also faced criticism from IBA President Umar Kremlev, who has made inflammatory comments about IOC President Thomas Bach and the IOC’s decision.
The IOC has urged national boxing federations to establish a new global governing body to prevent the sport from missing out on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Adams questioned the fairness of the tests, suggesting that the athletes may have been unfairly targeted by a discredited federation.
Khelif’s father, Amar, has expressed pride in his daughter’s achievements and confidence in her ability to secure a medal for Algeria. The controversy surrounding the gender tests underscores ongoing challenges and tensions within the sport of boxing as it navigates governance and eligibility issues.
