IOC Stands Firm on Gender Policies Amid Controversy in Boxing

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion in sports following recent scrutiny surrounding the disqualification of two female boxers from the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships. This controversy arose after the IBA, which lost IOC recognition in 2023, issued a statement questioning the eligibility of the boxers. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that women have the right to compete in women's events, dismissing outdated notions of gender testing. Bach highlighted that the IOC abandoned genetic gender testing in 1999, asserting that the current policies are clear and supportive of female athletes. He reiterated that the two disqualified boxers are indeed women, countering claims made by organizations with political motives. The IOC's stance is that participation should not be determined by subjective judgments or defamation campaigns. In light of the ongoing debate, Bach indicated that the IOC is open to reviewing its policies ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding gender participation in sports but stressed the importance of adhering to established eligibility and medical regulations. The IOC's recent statement on August 1 confirmed that all boxers competing in women's events meet the necessary criteria set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit. As discussions continue, the IOC remains committed to ensuring fair competition while upholding the rights of all athletes to participate in their respective categories.