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Sports News of Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Olympics Transgender Controversy: IBA explains why Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting were banned 

L-R Lin Yu-Ting  and Imani khelif L-R Lin Yu-Ting and Imani khelif

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has confirmed that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting tested positive for XY chromosomes, leading to their suspension from competing in 2022/2023.

The IBA stated that medical tests confirmed their XY chromosomes, making them ineligible to compete after numerous complaints from other athletes.

Both athletes were given the opportunity to appeal the findings. Imane initially appealed while Lin chose not to appeal.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ruling on the case prevented further actions from being taken against the athletes.

"There were numerous concerns from boxers, coaches, medical staff, and ringside doctors regarding these two athletes. A gender test was conducted during the Women's World Championships in 2022 in Istanbul, and the results were inconsistent. On March 17, 2023, both boxers were asked to take further blood tests. The results confirmed the presence of XY chromosomes, making them ineligible under our technical and competition rules.

"This decision was ratified by our board of directors, leading to their removal from the championships. Imane Khelif challenged the findings on April 14, 2023, and appealed to CAS. On July 27, 2023, CAS issued a termination order, and no further actions were taken," an IBA official stated in a video shared by Mario Nawfal on X on August 5, 2024.

Despite the controversy, both Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting are competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics and have reached the semi-finals in their respective weight classes: Imane in the 66kg category and Lin in the 57kg category.

Watch the video below:



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