Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, 2024 Olympic gold medallist in the 66kg women’s category, faces a ban from future women’s boxing events due to new gender eligibility rules requiring proof of being biologically female.
Despite controversy over failing the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender tests at the previous World Championships, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her to compete and win gold in Paris.
A year later, the IBA banned her under the new rules. Khelif has not publicly addressed the ban but posted defiant messages on Instagram celebrating Olympic Day and her medal.
The IBA introduced mandatory gender testing for safety and fairness, initially naming Khelif but later apologizing for singling her out.
Khelif, who has always competed as a woman, withdrew from the 2025 Eindhoven Box Cup, which she won last year, without explanation. Tournament officials confirmed her absence was not their decision.