June 15, 2025
Sport International

Imane Khelif: Targeted by the IBA, Defended by the IOC

By Iker Del Rio / February 18, 2025

The International Boxing Association (IBA), already expelled from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2019 for mismanagement, is once again stirring controversy. This time, it’s going after Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan, attempting to block them from competing in the Olympics due to their hyperandrogenism.

Yet, IOC President Thomas Bach made it clear last summer:

“We have two boxers who were born women, raised as women, hold female passports, and have competed as women for years. This is a clear definition of a woman. There has never been any doubt about it.”

Still, the IBA, led by Russia’s Umar Kremlev, is pushing back, filing a lawsuit against the IOC in an attempt to erase these athletes from the competition. The move feels less about sport and more like a targeted act of discrimination.

Khelif Fights Back

Khelif isn’t staying silent. She has called the IBA’s accusations false and insulting and is ready to fight back legally:

“My team is reviewing the situation carefully and will take all necessary legal steps to ensure my rights and fair competition principles are upheld.”

This isn’t the first time Khelif has faced exclusion. In 2023, she was suddenly banned from the Women’s Boxing World Championships, despite being a favorite. Now, the IBA’s latest attack exposes a toxic, discriminatory power play.

Will the IOC Stand Firm?

All eyes are now on the IOC. Will it defend the rights of these women and uphold inclusivity in sports? With the rise of exclusionary policies against female athletes—often under the guise of fairness—Khelif’s case is a litmus test for the future of gender equity in sports.

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