Lausanne, September 2 (H.S.): Algerian boxer and Paris Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against World Boxing’s controversial decision that bars her from competing in upcoming events unless she undergoes mandatory genetic sex testing.

CAS announced on Monday that Khelif submitted her appeal last month. However, CAS rejected her request for an immediate suspension of World Boxing’s ruling, meaning she will be unable to participate in this week’s World Boxing Championships.

Khelif won her Olympic gold in Paris last year, amid international scrutiny directed at her and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-ting. Both were excluded from the 2023 World Championships by the former governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA), after failing undisclosed eligibility tests.

The IBA had long been suspended due to controversies and mismanagement. Consequently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took charge of boxing events at both Tokyo and Paris Olympics, allowing Khelif and Lin to compete under previous gender eligibility rules.

The new governing body, World Boxing, recognized for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, announced mandatory sex testing for all athletes in May, explicitly naming Khelif. The organization later expressed regret over how the announcement was handled.

Khelif’s aim is to defend her welterweight gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Meanwhile, new IOC President Kirsty Coventry has formed a special task force to review gender eligibility issues in sport .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar