Olympic boxing champ Imane Khelif banned from Eindhoven Box Cup: Behind the controversy and science

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who clinched gold in the women’s 66kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has become the centre of a global controversy concerning her gender eligibility in women’s boxing.

Recently, Khelif has been barred from Eindhoven Box Cup, amid a new gender-testing policy.

The upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup is set to take place in the Netherlands from June 5 to 10.

The ban on Khelif, 26, is due to new regulations introduced by World Boxing, the sport's newly-recognised governing body under the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The move follows after the February 26, 2025 decision of International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board (EB) to provisionally recognise World Boxing (WB) as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.

WB's move could cloud her ability to compete in future events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as per the Washington Post.

Paris gold medal

Khelif had planned to make her competitive return at the tournament following her gold medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The ban follows the implementation of World Boxing’s new eligibility rules, which were formally announced recently. 

These include mandatory sex testing for all athletes as part of the organisation’s new policy on “Sex, Age and Weight.” 

The policy is intended, the body says, to uphold “fair competition” and protect the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

World Boxing specifically addressed Khelif’s situation in its correspondence with Algerian boxing officials.

“In light of plans to introduce this policy and the particular circumstances surrounding some boxers that competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, World Boxing has written to the Algerian Boxing Federation to inform it that Imane Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes sex testing.”

The organisation also cited broader concerns for the athlete’s welfare amid growing public scrutiny and online attacks.

“This decision reflects concerns over the safety and wellbeing of all boxers, including Imane Khelif, and aims to protect the mental and physical health of all participants in light of some of the reactions that have been expressed in relation to the boxer’s potential participation at the Eindhoven Box Cup.”

The Eindhoven event would have marked Khelif’s first official competition since her Olympic victory. Instead, her return to the ring remains uncertain pending compliance with the new testing requirements.

Chromosome test

Khelif’s disqualification from the Women’s World Boxing Championship came after a chromosome test conducted by Dr. Lal PathLabs in New Delhi reportedly indicated an “XY chromosome pattern” – typically associated with males.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) cited this result as the basis for her disqualification. 

Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) permitted Khelif to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, emphasising her female passport and questioning the legitimacy of the IBA's testing procedures. 

The IOC suggested that the disqualification might have been influenced by misinformation campaigns.

Scientific considerations

The presence of XY chromosomes does not unequivocally determine an individual's gender identity or athletic eligibility. 

Conditions known as Differences in Sexual Development (DSDs) can result in individuals with XY chromosomes developing female characteristics. 

For instance, Swyer syndrome is a condition where individuals have an XY karyotype but develop as females due to non-functional gonads, as per BBC.

Experts highlight that relying solely on chromosomal analysis is insufficient for determining gender eligibility in sports. 

Factors such as hormone levels, particularly testosterone, and the body's response to these hormones play significant roles. Comprehensive assessments are necessary to ensure fairness and safety in competitive sports.

‘Smear campaigns’ denounced

The Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee denounced what is termed as a “smear campaigns” targeting Khalif and confirmed that it had taken the necessary measures to protect her.

Chromosome controversy

In May 2025, World Boxing, a new governing body recognised by the IOC, introduced mandatory genetic sex testing for all athletes. This policy requires boxers to undergo a PCR test to verify the presence of the “Y” chromosome. 

Khelif was directly affected by this policy and was barred from participating in upcoming events, including the Eindhoven Box Cup, until she complies with the testing  

Involvement of public figures

The situation escalated when prominent figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and J.K. Rowling publicly questioned Khelif's gender. 

Their comments, shared widely on social media, fuelled speculation and led to a wave of online harassment against the boxer, as per People.

In response, Khelif filed a criminal complaint in Paris for aggravated cyber harassment, naming these individuals among others. 

Her lawyer, Nabil Boudi, stated that the complaint aims to address the misogynistic and discriminatory harassment she experienced.

Family's defence

Khelif's family has been vocal in defending her. 

Her father stated, "My child is a girl. She was raised as a girl. She's a strong girl. I raised her to be hard-working and brave. She has a strong will to work and to train" 

Khelif herself has spoken out against the accusations, emphasising that she was born and raised as a woman and that the attacks on her identity are not only personal but also an affront to her family's honour and Algerian society. 

Algerian support

The Algerian Boxing Association and the broader Algerian community have rallied behind Khelif.

The Algerian Olympic Committee issued statements affirming her eligibility and condemning the attacks as "baseless propaganda". Khelif's success has inspired a surge in interest in women's boxing in Algeria, with many young girls looking up to her as a role model, according to the Associated Press.

Rights and dignity

As the situation unfolds, Khelif continues to advocate for her rights and dignity. 

She remains determined to continue her boxing career and has expressed her commitment to competing in future events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as per the Washington Post.