Imane Khelif Avoids Tournament Amid Controversy Over New Sex Testing Regulations in Boxing

Imane Khelif Avoids Tournament Amid Controversy Over New Sex Testing Regulations in Boxing

Imane Khelif, a prominent figure in the Olympic gender controversy, has chosen to skip an upcoming boxing tournament in the Netherlands. This decision follows the announcement of mandatory sex testing for all athletes by World Boxing.

The Algerian boxer, who secured a gold medal at the Paris Games last summer, was unable to register in time for the tournament before the application deadline closed on Thursday.

Khelif had initially planned to make her return to international competition at the tournament in Hotel Eindhoven. However, the unsettling news regarding the new sex testing policy emerged just days before the event.

Local Officials Speak Out

Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Mayor of Eindhoven, expressed his dissatisfaction with World Boxing’s decision. In a letter directed at both the Dutch Boxing Federation and the International Boxing Federation, he stated, “As far as we are concerned, all athletes are welcome in Eindhoven. Excluding athletes based on controversial gender tests certainly does not fit in with that.” Dijsselbloem called for Khelif’s admission to the competition despite the new regulations.

Controversial Medical Reports

Reports from 3 Wire Sports have cited medical documents revealing that chromosome tests administered by the International Boxing Association (IBA), prior to the 2022 and 2023 world championships, indicated that Khelif’s DNA displayed “markers with male karyotypes.” The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had previously derecognized the IBA, amidst concerns regarding governance, financial ties to Russian state energy firm Gazprom, and the integrity of the competitions.

A document obtained by 3 Wire Sports stated, “Chromosome analysis reveals Male karyotype. No numerical or chromosomal anomalies detected at 450-550 banding resolution.” This testing took place at Dr. Lal PathLabs, an accredited laboratory in New Delhi, prior to the boxing championships.

Regulatory Authority’s Statement

Fox News Digital reached out to World Boxing, the Algerian Olympic Committee, and representatives for Khelif seeking further comment. In a statement sent to Fox News Digital on Tuesday morning, the IOC reiterated that eligibility criteria are determined by the relevant International Federation. They noted the unique factors influencing sports performance vary across different sports, disciplines, and events. They also indicated that they await comprehensive details on how the sex testing will be safely, fairly, and legally implemented.

Background on Khelif’s Disqualification

Khelif faced disqualification from the 2023 championships right before a gold medal match due to gender eligibility disputes. Her journey in the spotlight began after she qualified for the Olympics, during which the gender controversy emerged. In her initial fight at the Paris Olympics, Khelif triumphed over Angela Carini, which led to the IOC defending her amid growing scrutiny. Khelif continued to perform admirably and ultimately secured a gold medal.

Despite this success, the IBA asserted that Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-thing were disqualified from competing in the world championships for not meeting the eligibility criteria established in the IBA Regulations. They emphasized the significance of maintaining fairness and integrity within the competition through a careful review process.

Appeals and Ongoing Controversies

The IBA reported that Khelif had undergone two tests, one in 2022 and the other in 2023. Although she filed an appeal to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, Khelif later withdrew the appeal, rendering the IBA’s decision legally binding.

Throughout this period of controversy, Khelif has consistently asserted her identity as a female athlete. She also filed a lawsuit against critics and detractors who targeted her on social media.

Future Aspirations Despite Challenges

Before World Boxing’s recent announcements, Khelif intended to compete in the 2028 Olympics, despite governmental policies opposing transgender athletes in women’s sports. With the 2028 Games scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, Khelif remains undeterred. She stated that she does not consider the U.S. president’s executive orders to have any bearing on her situation.

In her interactions with the media, Khelif expressed confidence, saying, “I will give you a straightforward answer: the U.S. president issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.” She continued, “For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.”

Ongoing Discourse and Future Outlook

The ongoing discourse surrounding Imane Khelif and mandatory sex testing regulations in boxing raises pivotal questions about gender identity in sports. As the debate evolves, both Khelif’s immediate future and the implications for other athletes remain closely monitored. The broader implications of this situation will likely influence policies and practices across various sports disciplines.

As the sports community grapples with these complex issues, the need for a balanced and fair framework becomes increasingly evident. The future of gender inclusion in sports continues to require attention and careful consideration in the pursuit of equity and fairness.

Fox News contributors Ryan Gaydos, Jackson Thompson, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage for updates on this evolving story.