The Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi have been plunged into controversy following the shock disqualification of two elite athletes over eligibility test failures.
Algeria's Imane Khelif, a reigning world champion and Olympic competitor, and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting were both dramatically expelled from the competition after failing to meet the International Boxing Association's (IBA) stringent eligibility criteria.
Medals Stripped Amid Integrity Investigation
The stunning decision came just hours before Khelif was scheduled to step into the ring for her highly anticipated light welterweight semi-final bout. Both athletes had already secured at least bronze medals in their respective weight classes, achievements now stripped from the record books.
"The IBA's medical team has determined that these boxers do not meet the eligibility criteria to compete in women's boxing tournaments," the governing body stated, though specific details of the test failures remain confidential under medical privacy protocols.
Olympic Dreams in Jeopardy
For Khelif, the disqualification represents a devastating blow to her professional career. The Algerian fighter had been widely tipped as a strong medal contender for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where she was expected to build upon her impressive quarter-final finish at Tokyo 2020.
The controversy raises serious questions about the future eligibility of both athletes for international competition, including potential Olympic participation.
IBA Defends Strict Testing Protocol
The IBA has maintained its firm stance on eligibility testing, introduced in 2019 to ensure what the organization calls "fair and equal competition." The comprehensive assessment includes chromosome evaluation and testosterone level monitoring.
This incident marks the latest in a series of challenges for the embattled governing body, which has faced criticism over its governance and financial transparency. The International Olympic Committee has previously suspended the IBA, threatening boxing's Olympic future.
As the boxing world grapples with this latest controversy, questions remain about the transparency of testing procedures and the impact on athletes' careers behind the scenes of international sport.
