The IOC has confirmed that Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting will continue competing in the Paris Olympics despite previous disqualifications by the IBA. Both boxers meet all IOC eligibility criteria and will stay in the competition as long as they keep winning, according to IOC spokesperson Mark Adams.
At the Paris Olympics, two female boxers at the center of a gender eligibility dispute will continue to compete, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced. Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting, who have both advanced to the semifinals in their weight classes, meet all IOC eligibility criteria despite previous disqualifications by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The IBA had disqualified Khelif and Yu-ting following a chromosome test conducted during the 2023 World Championships, arguing that the boxers should not be allowed to compete in Paris. The IBA had informed the IOC of these disqualifications.
However, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams clarified that both athletes have been competing in senior competitions for six years without any issues. “These women were eligible for this contest, remain eligible for this contest, and compete in this contest,” Adams stated.
The IOC, responsible for overseeing the boxing tournament after revoking recognition from the IBA last year, has confirmed that the athletes meet all necessary criteria to participate in the ongoing Games. This decision underscores the IOC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and inclusiveness of the Olympic competition amidst ongoing governance and eligibility debates in the sport.
