The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Monday that the two female boxers in the center of a gender debate at the Paris Olympics will remain in the sport as long as they continue to win because they fulfill all eligibility requirements.
After the International Boxing Association lost its recognition last year due to its inability to enact governance and financial reforms, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took over responsibility for organizing the boxing competition in Paris.
Despite being disqualified in the 2023 World Championships, Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif were allowed to compete at the Games. Both fighters have advanced to the semifinals of their respective weight classes.
The boxers failed an eligibility test after undergoing a chromosomal test during the 2023 worlds, according to the IBA, which said on Monday that it had notified the IOC at the time.
The boxing organization maintained that the fighters had no business competing in Paris.
IOC spokesman Mark Adams stated, “These athletes have been competing in senior competitions for six years without any issues.” “These women competed in this contest, were eligible to compete, and are eligible to compete again.”
