Algerian boxer Imane Khelif will not be competing at the World Boxing championships in Liverpool, according to World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst. Khelif is appealing World Boxing’s new mandatory genetic sex testing policy, which was implemented in May. While she has the right to appeal, her reason for not competing is that she was not entered into the tournament by her federation.
The New Mandatory Sex Testing Policy
World Boxing, the organization that will oversee boxing in the 2028 Olympics, introduced the new policy to ensure “safe and competitive competitions” for all boxers. Van der Vorst emphasized that the policy applies equally to every female boxer. He defended the decision, stating that it’s crucial for a combat sport like boxing to have clear and fair rules to protect female athletes.
Controversy and Appeal
The new policy was put in place after a gender-eligibility row involving Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting at the Paris Olympics. Khelif has since appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Van der Vorst stated that it’s too early to draw conclusions on Khelif’s eligibility and that her absence from the championships is simply due to her not being entered.
