Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif has launched a formal appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an effort to overturn a ban imposed by World Boxing, which requires her to undergo mandatory genetic sex testing to compete. The ban stems from World Boxing’s newly introduced “Sex, Age and Weight” policy, which mandates genetic verification for athletes participating in gender-specific categories. Khelif, who won gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is challenging what she views as an unjust and invasive requirement that undermines her identity and achievements.
Khelif’s career has already faced setbacks due to similar controversies. In 2023, she was disqualified from the World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) over gender eligibility concerns. However, she was later cleared to compete in the Paris Olympics by the International Olympic Committee, which had stripped the IBA of its governing status due to corruption and governance issues. Her current appeal seeks permission to participate in the 2025 World Boxing Championships without undergoing the genetic test, which she argues is discriminatory and unnecessary.
Despite her appeal, CAS has rejected her request to suspend the ban while the case is under review. Written submissions are being exchanged, and a hearing is expected to be scheduled soon. Khelif has publicly defended her position, stating, “I was born a woman, I’ve lived as a woman and I’ve competed as a woman,” emphasizing that her identity should not be subject to genetic scrutiny. Her case has sparked broader debate about the ethics and implications of mandatory sex testing in sports, particularly for female athletes from regions where gender norms and institutional support may differ significantly from global standards.
The outcome of Khelif’s appeal could have far-reaching consequences for the future of gender policies in international boxing and beyond. It raises critical questions about fairness, privacy, and the balance between inclusion and regulation in competitive sports. As the legal process unfolds, Khelif’s fight is not only for her right to compete but also for the dignity and recognition of athletes whose identities are being challenged under evolving regulatory frameworks.