LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The International Boxing Association (IBA) has addressed recent media statements regarding the disqualification of athletes Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships.
In a statement released July 31, 2024, the IBA confirmed that on March 24, 2023, it disqualified Lin and Khelif from the New Delhi championships. The organization cited the athletes’ failure to meet eligibility criteria for the women’s competition as outlined in IBA regulations.
The IBA stated that the athletes underwent a “separate and recognized test,” not a testosterone examination. Results of this confidential test indicated both athletes had “competitive advantages over other female competitors” and did not meet eligibility requirements.
The decision was ratified by the IBA Board of Directors on March 25, 2023.
The statement comes amid discussions about the athletes’ participation in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The IBA emphasized that the disqualification was “extremely important and necessary to uphold the level of fairness and utmost integrity of the competition.”
The IBA did not provide specific details about the nature of the test or the exact criteria the athletes failed to meet, citing confidentiality.
