Imane Khelif, the gold medalist of the Paris Olympic Games, was one more time at the centre of a turbulent discussion. This time the global Boxing Association (IBA) decided to exclude it from participating in the upcoming planet Boxing Championships. This decision sparked a wave of comments and questions on the principles of qualifications and ethics in sport.
Controversy around Imane Khelif: From the Olympics to the IBA decision
Imane Khelif, who last year won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in the category up to 66 kilograms, has long been the subject of speculation and accusations. U.S. president Donald Trump publically criticized her, claiming to be “a man who has undergone a transformation”. Trump, signing a regulation excluding transgenders from sports competition with women, appealed, among others, to the case of Khelif.
Despite these allegations, the global Olympic Committee (ICCOL) did not take action against Khelif, allowing her to participate in the games. However, the IBA, which remained in conflict with the ICOL, decided to act differently.
IBA Decision: Khelif does not meet the conditions
During the press conference, IBA's secretary-general, Chris Roberts, announced that Imane Khelif did not meet the qualifying requirements for the planet Boxing Championships to be held in March in Serbian Nishu.
– Imane Khelif does not meet the conditions to participate in the planet Championships. It does not meet the qualifying criteria," said Roberts, quoted by boxingnewsonline.net. – Our method regulations clearly specify the requirements and criteria for qualification for professions. We run random tests and we will besides test here during planet Championships," he added.
It's not the first time IBA has made a decision against Khelif. In 2023, the organization disqualified her just before the planet Cup final, after defeating the undefeated Russian Azalia Aminieva in the semifinal. Umar Kremlow, president of the IBA, then stated that the decision was made on the basis of DNA tests to show that Khelif had XY chromosomes.
The planet of athletics Storm
IBA's decision sparked mixed reactions. On the 1 hand, the organisation stresses that it acts in accordance with the rules to guarantee fair competition. On the another hand, critics point to a deficiency of transparency and possible prejudice against Khelif.
– This is not only a question of principles, but besides of ethics – 1 of the experts comments. – athletics should be the space where all players are treated fairly, regardless of their past or identity.
What about Imane Khelif's career?
Exclusion from the planet Cup is another hard minute in Imane Khelif's career. Although IKOl inactive acknowledges her achievements, IBA's decision may affect her future in boxing. Khelif has not yet commented on the latest reports, but her fans and supporters express solidarity, stressing that athletics should be free from discrimination.
Summary
IBA's decision to exclude Imane Khelif from the planet Boxing Championship raises serious controversy and asks questions about the future of the rules of qualification in sport. Should sports organisations be guided solely by the results of biological research, or should they take into account a broader ethical and social context? This question remains open and the Khelif case will surely be commented on for a long time.
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Imane Khelif excluded from the planet Boxing Championship! IBA's decision is controversial
