Olympic gold medallist Imane Khelif is once again facing public scrutiny after the World Boxing Federation (WBF) introduced a new policy mandating gender testing for all athletes — a move critics say further stigmatises women athletes and reinforces anti-trans narratives.
The Algerian boxing star, who made headlines last year when she was wrongly accused of being transgender, has now been told she must undergo testing if she wishes to compete in next week’s Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands.
Under the WBF’s new guidelines, all boxers aged 18 and over will be required to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test to verify their sex assigned at birth. The results will determine whether an athlete is eligible to compete in male or female categories.
Khelif Caught in Ongoing Gender Controversy
Khelif, who has identified as a cisgender woman her entire life, was subjected to intense online harassment last year following her bout against Italian boxer Angela Carini. False claims about her gender identity circulated widely, prompting her to file a harassment complaint. High-profile individuals, including JK Rowling and Elon Musk, were named in her legal action due to their public comments on the matter.
Describing the ordeal as one that “harms human dignity,” Khelif condemned the spread of misinformation and its impact on her well-being.
Despite the controversy, she triumphed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing gold and cementing her status as a world-class athlete.
Mandatory Testing Policy Announced
In a press release, the WBF confirmed that Khelif will not be permitted to compete in any of its events, including the Eindhoven Box Cup, unless she complies with the new sex verification requirements.
“In light of plans to introduce this policy and the particular circumstances surrounding some boxers that competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, World Boxing has written to the Algerian Boxing Federation to inform it that Imane Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or any World Boxing event until she undergoes sex testing,” the statement read.
The WBF’s new policy forms part of its broader “Sex, Age and Weight” framework, which it claims is aimed at creating a fair and safe competitive environment.
World Boxing is also set to oversee the boxing competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where Khelif had planned to pursue another gold medal.
The Algerian Boxing Federation and Khelif have not yet issued a public response to the new policy.
Khelif is currently listed as a returning competitor in the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup, with organisers celebrating her planned participation and promoting it by stating, “Proud that Imane Khelif is there again to defend her title.”
