Imane Khelif, an Olympic gold medalist in boxing, has been barred from competing in women’s events by World Boxing due to a 2023 medical test that allegedly identifies her as biologically male. This revelation came shortly after World Boxing announced that Khelif would need to undergo genetic sex screening to participate in future women’s competitions. Khelif had previously represented Algeria and triumphed in the women’s boxing category at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A medical report from March 17, 2023, examined by 3 Wire Sports and Telegraph Sport, indicated “Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype.” The test was conducted at Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, accredited by the American College of Pathologists. Despite awareness of this test, Khelif was allowed to compete in Paris.
The International Olympic Committee, led by President Thomas Bach, had expressed skepticism about the report’s validity. This situation has sparked renewed debate over athlete eligibility in women’s sports. Piers Morgan, a broadcaster who had questioned Khelif’s participation, commented on X, criticizing the “biology-denying woke brigade” for allowing Khelif to compete against women.
Former Olympian Sharron Davies also expressed disbelief, questioning when society stopped trusting “our eyes & gut” regarding women’s sports. Conservative activist and ex-NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines joined the conversation, addressing those who insisted Khelif was female based on her passport, stating, “You were wrong. We were right.”
Khelif was previously disqualified by the International Boxing Association in 2023 for failing gender eligibility tests but was reinstated for the Paris Games. CNN’s Laura Coates and Jemele Hill had previously criticized those questioning Khelif’s biological sex, which drew ridicule online. Critics argued that they ignored the evidence presented before them.
The medical report allegedly involved endocrinologists from the Kremlin-Bicetre Hospital in Paris and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Hospital in Algiers. However, the report’s authenticity remains unverified. Dr. Jacques Young from Bicetre Hospital stated his name was used without consent, suggesting a political motive behind the report.
World Boxing confirmed Khelif’s ban in a letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation, indicating she cannot compete in the female category until undergoing genetic sex screening. The organization highlighted new eligibility rules adopted in May 2025 to ensure safety and clarity in combat sports. The updated policy requires PCR testing to identify the SRY gene, linked to the Y chromosome and male biological sex.
World Boxing specified that if an athlete’s sex certification is contested, they will be ineligible until the dispute is resolved. Khelif had expressed a desire to defend her title at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. World Boxing, overseeing testing for the upcoming Games, will enforce PCR-based sex verification for all competitors over 18.
In addition to Khelif, controversy also surrounds another Paris Games boxing champion, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, who competed in the women’s division despite a suspension in 2023. The Algerian Olympic Committee dismissed the allegations as “unsubstantiated” and aimed at damaging the reputation of an athlete who has honored their nation.
The impact of World Boxing’s findings on Khelif’s past medals or her standing in the sport remains uncertain. The organization aims to maintain fairness and safety in women’s boxing through these measures. Critics of the decision argue it is necessary to preserve the integrity of women’s sports.
