Algeria’s Olympic champion Imane Khelif has found herself at the heart of a global debate over gender and eligibility in sports. After clinching the women’s welterweight gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Khelif now faces a major hurdle in her journey toward defending her title at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The newly implemented gender screening policy by World Boxing has thrown her career—and the broader issue of gender identity in sports—into sharp focus.
What the New Policy Means for Athletes Like Imane Khelif
World Boxing, the governing body provisionally recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to oversee Olympic boxing, has mandated genetic sex screening for all boxers aged 18 and above. This new policy, introduced in May 2025, requires athletes to undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to detect the presence of the SRY gene, a marker found on the Y chromosome that typically determines chromosomal sex at birth.
According to the statement issued by World Boxing:
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at any World Boxing event until she undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.”
The ruling places an immense burden on athletes and raises questions about bodily autonomy, fairness, and the role of science in sports categorization.
Khelif Responds to Gender Speculations: “I Was Born a Girl”
Back in March, when whispers about her gender first surfaced, Imane Khelif stood her ground with strength and dignity. The 26-year-old boxer clearly stated:
“I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.”
Khelif emphasized her long and consistent participation in women’s competitions, including the Tokyo Olympics and four World Championships. She pointed out how the scrutiny only began after she started winning major titles.
This personal testimony underlines a critical issue: gender policing in sports often disproportionately targets successful women athletes, casting doubt on their achievements and subjecting them to invasive tests and public ridicule.
Public Reactions: From Global Celebrities to Human Rights Advocates
The controversy has drawn reactions from high-profile figures. Former US President Donald Trump, who earlier signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports in the U.S., also commented on Khelif’s case. Elon Musk, tech mogul and cultural commentator, added his voice to the online debate.
However, the wider public remains divided. Some argue that gender screening ensures fairness in women’s sports, while others believe it infringes on individual rights and privacy, and fails to consider the complex nature of gender identity.
The Bigger Picture: Gender Identity and Fairness in Sports
World Boxing’s new policy is not the first of its kind. Over the past few years, several international sports federations have introduced measures aimed at regulating gender eligibility, particularly in women’s events. However, these policies remain highly controversial.
Critics argue that:
- Genetic testing does not fully account for lived gender experience or hormone levels.
- It can marginalize intersex and transgender athletes.
- It often targets athletes from the Global South, raising concerns about bias.
The gender eligibility debate is one of the most pressing issues in modern sports. It challenges federations to balance fair competition with inclusive practices, all while respecting athletes’ dignity and human rights.
What’s Next for Imane Khelif?
As of now, Imane Khelif has not publicly responded to World Boxing’s latest mandate, and the Algerian Boxing Federation has remained silent. Whether she chooses to undergo the genetic screening or challenge the policy remains to be seen.
What’s clear, however, is that this issue is bigger than one athlete. It’s about how sports institutions choose to define gender, the science they rely on, and the ethical standards they uphold.
For Imane Khelif, her fight continues—not just in the ring, but for her right to be recognized for who she is.
Final Thoughts
The case of Imane Khelif and gender eligibility has set the stage for an ongoing global conversation about inclusion, fairness, and science in sport. As federations update their rules, the world watches to see how they will strike a balance between protecting competitive integrity and respecting the human identities behind the athletes.