Olympic boxing controversy

The Olympic boxing events in Paris are embroiled in controversy over the gender status of two competitors, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu Ting, who were both banned by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for allegedly having XY chromosomes. Khelif's recent match against Italian Angela Carini ended abruptly, leading to discussions about her physical advantages due to a condition known as differences in sex development (DSD). Critics argue that scrutiny of female athletes, particularly those of color, often stems from racial biases rather than objective assessments of gender eligibility. The IBA's lack of transparency regarding their gender tests has fueled confusion, especially as they are currently not recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite claims from various public figures suggesting that Khelif is not a woman, both she and the IOC maintain her cisgender identity. This ongoing debate highlights deep-rooted issues in the intersection of gender, race, and sports governance.