IOC President Defends Gender Eligibility of Controversial Boxers Despite Questions

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has faced more questions about the gender eligibility controversy involving two boxers competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but he remains firm in his stance that the athletes meet the committee's concerns and have the right to participate in the women's competition.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has once again defended the gender eligibility of two boxers competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics amid ongoing scrutiny.

In his final press conference before the Games conclude this weekend, Bach emphasized that the issue was not about inclusion but about "justice." He said that women have the right to participate in women's events and that the IOC would not rely on potential genetic testing without scientific validation.

IOC President Defends Gender Eligibility of Controversial Boxers Despite Questions

The controversy arose when the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 IBA World Championships, alleging that they had "XY chromosomes." The IOC, which withdrew its recognition of the IBA in 2023, has maintained that both athletes meet the committee's eligibility concerns.

Bach explained that the IOC abandoned genetic gender testing in 1999 and relies on new systems under which the committee's stance remains clear: "Women must be allowed to take part in women's competitions. And the two [boxers] are women."

IOC President Defends Gender Eligibility of Controversial Boxers Despite Questions

When asked if the IOC would be open to reviewing its policies ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Bach expressed willingness. He said the organization would consider any scientifically solid system for identifying men and women, but emphasized that unsubstantiated claims or defamation campaigns would not be sufficient.

On August 1, the IOC issued a statement clarifying that all boxers competing in the women's events complied with the competition's eligibility and entry regulations, as well as the medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU).

IOC President Defends Gender Eligibility of Controversial Boxers Despite Questions

Bach's comments came hours before Khelif won a gold medal in the women's 66-kilogram division, defeating reigning world champion Yang Liu of China. Lin is set to compete for gold in the women's featherweight division on Saturday.

The controversy has sparked questions about the complexities of gender eligibility in sports and the role of science in determining athletic categories. The IOC's stance reflects its commitment to fairness and the right of all athletes to participate based on their identity and physiological characteristics.