Controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has withdrawn from a boxing tournament in the Netherlands following World Boxing’s new mandatory sex testing policy. The boxer, who won gold at the Paris Olympics amid gender eligibility scrutiny, had planned to compete but did not register in time. Eindhoven Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem criticized the decision, calling it discriminatory.
Khelif, whose gender eligibility has been a subject of debate, faced prior disqualification from the 2023 championships. The International Boxing Association (IBA) had disqualified her over gender compliance issues. Khelif, however, has maintained her identity as a female athlete. The new policy raises ethical and legal questions about athlete privacy and fairness in sports.
Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 championships before a gold medal bout over gender eligibility issues. The boxer was thrust into the global spotlight after qualifying for the Olympics, with the gender controversy coming to light. Khelif defeated Angela Carini in the initial fight during the Paris Olympics, and the IOC defended Khelif. As the controversy grew, Khelif kept on winning and eventually was awarded a gold medal.
But the IBA doubled down, saying Khelif – along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-thing – were disqualified from the world championships due to