IOC Defends Boxers Amid Gender Controversy

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended the participation of boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting in the Paris 2024 Olympics amid controversy over gender eligibility tests. Both athletes were disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to alleged failure to meet criteria prohibiting athletes with male XY chromosomes from competing in women's events. The IOC criticized the IBA's actions as 'arbitrary' and lacking due process, emphasizing that Khelif and Lin had competed successfully in women's categories for years. The IOC took over the boxing competition for the Paris Games after stripping the IBA of its recognition due to governance issues. The situation has sparked significant social media backlash, with notable figures voicing opposition, but the IOC asserted that every person has the right to compete without discrimination. World Boxing President Boris Van Der Vorst echoed support for the IOC's policies, highlighting the importance of respecting athletes' eligibility.