International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach defended the organisation’s gender eligibility rules on Friday, stating there is no “scientifically solid” method to definitively distinguish between men and women.
His comments come amid ongoing controversy over the inclusion of two boxers, Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting, in the women’s boxing championship, despite claims that they might be biologically male.
Bach responded to questions about whether the IOC would reconsider its guidelines in light of disputes over the boxers’ eligibility. He noted that while the IOC is open to examining new methods as current scientific tools, including chromosome testing, are insufficient for this purpose.
Bach emphasised that decisions are not based on visual assessments or political motivations, referring indirectly to the International Boxing Association (IBA), which had previously disqualified Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from its World Championships.
The controversy intensified after Khelif’s recent Olympic victory, sparking debates about fairness and gender classification. IOC spokesman Mark Adams reaffirmed that all approved competitors comply with eligibility rules.
Khelif’s gold medal win has led to renewed criticism and calls for review of the IOC’s gender policies, with some accusing Bach of dismissing legitimate concerns.
