(SEPT 10) Imane Khelif, the Algerian Olympic champion, has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over a new rule that has been introduced by the World Boxing. The rule also demands female athletes to have genetic testing of their sex to qualify to participate in the World Championships in 2025. The move has given rise to a heated discussion in the field of sport, as it reveals the ambiguity between equality, human rights, and regulation of women boxing.
The Athlete at the Centre
The gold at Paris Olympics saw Khelif become a national hero in Algeria, and she is now one of the most successful fighters in the women game. The fans and experts alike have recognized her style of vicious yet accurate boxing respecting her. No longer is she only training to do another championship run, but she is now caught up in a legal and ethical fight that may alter the future of the sport.
The Controversial Rule
This was announced earlier this year by World Boxing who stated that any competitor in the women division of the 2025 world championship was required to undergo genetic testing to determine eligibility. The authorities defended the rule by stating that it was meant to bring about clarity and uniformity but the opponents felt that the rule discriminates against some athletes and poses the risk of infringing the rights to privacy.
The legal team of Khelif says that the action is not scientifically acceptable and discriminatory. They insist that antidoping and eligibility policies must be applied to the sport of boxing instead of new encroaching measures. CAS is now going to be considered on her appeal and it is likely that they will decide before the tournament starts. The discussion has even been carried over to other sectors of the sport with integrity and inclusion being discussed alongside commercial interests and fan involvement in a single breath with websites like boxing of FIRST.com showing how the governance side of the argument is impacting the larger story outside the ring.
Wider Reactions
The latest rule is controversial. It has been condoned by some federations as a protective measure of competitive integrity, and by many athletes and advocacy organizations as encroaching, detrimental. Khelif has been ruled ineligible already?is ineligible awaiting her appeal, and the decision of the CAS was critical to her participation.
It is not only a case of personal eligibility but has the potential of providing a precedent of how the governing bodies respond to gender policies in combat sports.
The Stakes for Boxing
Such controversy is occurring at a time when female boxing is growing more than ever. Higher visibility, increased competition and emerging commercial opportunities have contributed to making it a global player. Controversies such as this are a threat to the fans though as it may obscure the gains achieved.
Points that underline the stakes include:
- It will impact tens of athletes who are on their way to the World Championships.
- It can have a bearing on future Olympic eligibility rules.
- It will influence the population to trust the way in which fairness in the sport is controlled.
To get further insight into the role of rules and governance in the careers of the fighters, the readers can refer to this feature on the history of boxing in women, which explains poverty and breakthroughs that characterized the development of the sport.
Additional Updated Information
Details of the Rule
World Boxing announced that beginning in 2025, women boxers must undergo a once-in-a-lifetime genetic test to prove eligibility. The test looks for the SRY gene, which is linked to male sex development.
World Boxing stated:
“The mandatory testing is designed to provide clarity and fairness for all athletes competing in the female category.” — World Boxing statement (WorldBoxing.org)
Khelif’s Situation
Khelif has appealed the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). She argues the testing is discriminatory and violates her rights as a woman athlete.
However, CAS has not suspended the rule while the case is under review.
“The CAS will now establish a procedural calendar, including a hearing, and a final decision is expected ahead of the 2025 World Championships.” — CAS press release via Reuters
Other Athletes Affected
The new policy has already affected national teams:
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The French women’s team was barred after failing to submit results on time, since genetic testing is illegal in France.
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By contrast, India’s full squad of 10 women boxers cleared the tests and were declared eligible.
Privacy Concerns
World Boxing admitted fault in publicly naming Khelif when discussing the new rules.
“World Boxing acknowledges it made a mistake in naming Imane Khelif in connection with the new eligibility policy. We apologise for this breach of privacy.” — World Boxing statement, June 2025
Broader Impact on Boxing
This ruling could set a precedent for future Olympic Games and international boxing events. Experts argue it may reshape the definition of fairness in women’s combat sports.
Sports lawyer analysis shared with Reuters said:
“The decision in Khelif’s case could redefine how governing bodies approach gender eligibility policies, not just in boxing, but across all Olympic combat sports.”