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International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on Friday defended the organization’s gender eligibility rules, saying there was currently no “scientifically reliable” way to clearly distinguish between men and women.
He made the above remarks when dispute Two boxers – Algerian Imani Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-Ting – were included in the women’s boxing championship despite claims they could be biologically male.
Bach responded to a question about whether the IOC would reconsider its guidelines in the event of a boxer’s eligibility dispute by noting that the IOC was willing to look into new approaches because existing scientific tools, including chromosome testing, were not sufficient for this purpose.
Bach stressed that the decision was not based on visual assessments or political motivations, and he indirectly referred to the International Boxing Association (IBA), which had previously disqualified Khalif and Lin Yuting from participating in the world championships.
Controversy has intensified following Khalif’s recent victory at the Olympics, sparking debate about fairness and gender classification. IOC spokesman Mark Adams reiterated that all approved competitors abide by eligibility rules.
Khalif’s gold medal win reignited criticism calling for a review of the IOC’s gender policy, with some accusing Bach of ignoring legitimate concerns.
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