Olympics-IOC saddened by ‘Aggression’ against boxers over gender row
In a contentious decision that has sparked widespread debate, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stood by its choice to allow two female boxers, Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, to compete at the Paris Olympics, despite ongoing controversy over their eligibility.
Imane Khelif made headlines with a lightning-fast victory over Italian Angela Carini in just 46 seconds during the welterweight round of 16 bout, prompting Carini to withdraw following a relentless onslaught of punches. This victory intensified scrutiny on the IOC’s decision to permit their participation.
The controversy stems from the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualifying both athletes from the 2023 World Championships due to alleged breaches of eligibility rules designed to prevent athletes with male XY chromosomes from competing in women’s events. However, the IOC, which has assumed control of boxing governance for the Paris Olympics due to governance issues within the IBA, dismissed these disqualifications as arbitrary.
In a statement defending its stance, the IOC criticized the IBA’s handling of the matter, citing a lack of due process in disqualifying Khelif and Lin from the 2023 championships. The IOC highlighted that these decisions were made abruptly by the IBA Secretary General and CEO without proper procedural safeguards.
“The current backlash against these athletes is solely based on an arbitrary decision by the IBA, which lacks transparency and fairness,” stated the IOC in its official communication. “We uphold the eligibility criteria established for the Tokyo Games in 2021, which cannot be altered mid-competition.”
The debate surrounding the eligibility of transgender and intersex athletes in women’s sports has been a polarizing topic, with varying rules across different sports federations. Some sports regulate testosterone levels, while others implement broader bans on athletes who have undergone male puberty.
Amid growing criticism from public figures including British author J.K. Rowling and entrepreneur Elon Musk, the IOC reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination in sports. “Every individual has the right to participate in sports without facing discrimination,” the IOC underscored.
As Lin Yu-ting prepares for her upcoming bout in Paris, the controversy surrounding their participation continues to fuel discussions on the intersection of gender identity and athletic competition at the highest levels.
