A leaked medical report allegedly identifying Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif as biologically male reignited controversy over her eligibility in women’s boxing.
Reuters reported that the Imane Khelif gender controversy has intensified scrutiny. It stems from a March 2023 document from Dr. Lal PathLabs in New Delhi.
The report, originally shared by journalist Alan Abrahamson via 3 Wire Sports, states that Khelif has a male karyotype. As a result, World Boxing has mandated genetic sex screening before she can return to female competitions.
Khelif has been barred from events like the Eindhoven Box Cup until she complies with the May 2025 “Sex, Age, and Weight” policy. She will undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect the SRY gene. World Boxing emphasised the importance of athlete safety and fair competition.
Khelif won a gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, even though the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified her in 2023 for failing a gender eligibility test. According to The Hindu, IOC President Thomas Bach later questioned this disqualification.
The biology-denying woke brigade abused and shamed me for saying it was outrageous and dangerous for Khelif to be beating up women at the Olympics. I’m ready for their apology, but won’t hold my breath. https://t.co/aQtWyX7nSW
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 2, 2025Public figures like Piers Morgan and Riley Gaines criticised her participation, with Morgan demanding apologies on X. The Algerian Olympic Committee dismissed the report as “unsubstantiated,” defending Khelif’s honour.
Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting faced similar scrutiny in Paris, highlighting ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 eligibility debates. World Boxing’s emergency policy amendments, bypassing Congress, reflect evolving risks in combat sports. Critics argue the tests protect fairness, while supporters of Khelif, including her intent to compete in 2028, decry discrimination. The male karyotype report remains unverified, fueling polarised views.
The Imane Khelif gender controversy underscores tensions over gender eligibility in sports, impacting athlete rights and competition integrity. As World Boxing policy evolves, the debate shapes global perceptions of fairness, safety, and inclusion in women’s boxing eligibility, drawing intense scrutiny to Khelif’s legacy.
