• World Boxing introduces mandatory genetic sex testing for all athletes.
• Imane Khelif, Olympic gold medallist, must undergo testing to compete.
• The policy aims to create a fair playing field and ensure safety in competitions.

World Boxing has announced the introduction of mandatory genetic sex testing for all boxers in its competitions, particularly highlighting that Olympic gold medallist Imane Khelif will need to undergo such testing to participate in any events, including the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup from June 5-10, 2025. The organization emphasized that the new policy aims to ensure a "competitive level playing field for men and women," following the scrutiny surrounding Khelif's previous performances at the Paris Olympics, where she won gold amid gender eligibility controversies, according to Channel News Asia and Dawn.

Every athlete over the age of 18 must undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be administered via nasal/mouth swab or a blood/saliva sample, to determine their sex at birth. The test specifically looks for the presence of the SRY gene, indicating a Y chromosome, which correlates to biological sex. This policy has been developed as part of World Boxing's plan to ensure safety and maintain competitive fairness, particularly in combat sports, as stated in the organization's official communication, according to CBS News and Reuters.

Khelif's journey through the sport has been marked by controversy, particularly after she was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to allegations regarding her gender eligibility. Despite previous approvals by the International Olympic Committee that allowed her to compete in the Paris Games, new challenges have arisen with World Boxing's implementation of these genetic testing requirements, which they assert is essential for safeguarding athletes’ physical and mental wellbeing. Her situation underscores the ongoing debates over gender and sport, as highlighted in reports from BBC and South China Morning Post.

This approach of mandatory genetic screening has drawn parallels with historical practices in various sports, reflecting a renewed focus on gender and competition in the wake of increased scrutiny towards athletes like Khelif. As World Boxing prepares to host competitions at the 2028 Olympics, the organization has emphasized the necessity of strict eligibility criteria to maintain fairness in competition while also addressing public safety concerns, further reported by India Times and India Times.