Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif has said she is willing to undergo genetic testing to remain eligible for international competition, provided the process is conducted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Khelif, who won gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was at the centre of a gender eligibility controversy after the International Boxing Association disqualified her from the 2023 World Championships following sex chromosome tests. The decision sparked global debate over gender testing in women’s sports.
World Boxing, which has been provisionally recognized by the IOC and will oversee boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has since announced mandatory sex testing for all boxers. Khelif has challenged the policy at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that she should only be subjected to testing under the authority of the IOC.
“Of course, I would accept doing anything I’m required to do to participate in competitions,” Khelif said in an interview. “But the testing must be done by the IOC.”
She stressed the need for balance in protecting women’s sports without harming female athletes. “They should protect women, but while doing that, they shouldn’t hurt other women,” she said.
Khelif also rejected claims questioning her identity, stating clearly: “I’m not transgender. I’m a woman. I want to live my life. Please do not exploit me in your political agendas.”
The 26-year-old boxer said she remains confident as she awaits a ruling from CAS. “I will not surrender until I have justice because I know justice is on my side,” she added.
