The International Boxing Association (IBA) has called for Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to return her Olympic gold medal, won in the women’s 66kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The IBA’s request stems from Khelif’s failed gender eligibility test in 2023, which revealed she has XY chromosomes, a finding that doesn’t meet the association’s eligibility requirements for female boxing.
IBA President Umar Kremlev revealed that Khelif failed gender tests in both 2022 and 2023, with the results showing “abnormal” XY chromosome findings. “Both tests showed XY chromosomes. That does not meet the eligibility requirements for female boxing,” Kremlev said. He added that the IBA had informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the situation.
However, the IOC permitted Khelif to participate in the Olympics, stating she met the eligibility requirements under official documentation. The IOC’s rules allow athletes with gender diversity and Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) to compete, determining gender based on the sex assigned at birth.
Kremlev’s demands for Khelif to return her medal have sparked a heated debate over gender policies in sports and the clash of authority between governing bodies. The IBA was suspended by the IOC in 2023 due to governance and financial issues, and the IOC has taken over governing amateur boxing.
The Algerian Olympic Committee has lent its support to Khelif, condemning the reports against her as “baseless propaganda”. Khelif has also clarified that she will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite controversy surrounding her participation.