Claims that the International Boxing Association (IBA) carried out illegitimate and untrustworthy gender tests during last year’s world championships have emerged, according to statements made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Sunday. The tests led to the disqualification of two female fighters, Imane Khelif from Algeria and Taiwan’s double world champion Lin Yu-ting, who were both later permitted to compete in the Paris Olympics.
These rulings by the IBA were made on the basis of failed gender eligibility tests, a move that the IOC has criticised for being inconsistent and arbitrary. The testing procedures were conducted late in the competition after the fighters had already competed in numerous bouts. Mark Adams, spokesperson for the IOC, stated in a press conference that the tests and the method of testing lacked credibility and legitimacy.
The IOC has previously withdrawn the IBA’s status as the administrative body for boxing due to conflicts pertaining to governance and financial matters. It subsequently oversaw the boxing competition at the Paris Games, applying regulations from the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games.
A conversation started online after Khelif’s convincing victory in a welterweight round-of-16 skirmish against Angela Carini who decided to resign just after 46 seconds of a continuous onslaught of punches. Shortly afterwards, the IBA pledge to provide Carini with a consolation prize of $50,000 (equivalent to €46,000), which further fuelled the pre-existing conflict with the IOC.
Presently both Khelif and Lin have succeeded in progressing to the semi-finals of their respective weight divisions in Paris. “Yu-ting is remarkable!”, exclaimed President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan, following her successful reach into the semi-finals of the featherweight division at the Olympic Games.
In the past few days, inhabitants of Taiwan have been distressed by the defamation thrown at their country. In response to these challenges, Yu-ting demonstrates remarkable bravery and power to quash the gossip. We are urged to continue our support for her!
The IOC president, Thomas Bach, earlier this week levelled accusations at the IBA, saying they were on a slander campaign against the Olympic body. The Russian IBA president, Umar Kremlev, was notorious for his offensive posts on social media directed at Mr. Bach and the IOC, particularly about the decision to let two boxers compete.
The IOC has implored national boxing federations to form a new international governing body, otherwise, boxing faces the danger of being eliminated from the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Khlief’s father Amar expressed his pride for his daughter and he voiced his support encouraging her to secure a medal for Algeria.
“A random selection process was used for the tests”, stated Mr. Adams. “The reasons behind conducting the testing at that particular location, during the world championships, are unclear to me.”
When questioned if the boxers were specifically singled out, Mr. Adams responded affirmatively. He added, “One has to question how fair it is to single out two individuals in this manner… by a federation whose reputation is widely discredited?” – Reuters.