The president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Umar Kremlev, has urged global sporting bodies to introduce clear and enforceable rules to protect women’s sport, amid growing international debate over gender eligibility in elite competition.
Kremlev’s comments follow renewed discussion around Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, an Olympic champion whose participation in women’s boxing has become one of the most widely debated gender eligibility cases in modern sport.
Background to the Controversy
Imane Khelif has achieved major success in international boxing. She won silver at the 2022 World Boxing Championships and claimed gold at the African Championships the same year. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she made history by becoming the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in women’s welterweight boxing.
However, her rise was accompanied by growing controversy. In 2023, the IBA disqualified Khelif from its World Championships in New Delhi, stating that she did not meet the organisation’s gender eligibility requirements. The IBA did not publicly release detailed medical findings, citing athlete confidentiality.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later allowed Khelif to compete, stating that she was born female, lives as a woman, and holds a female passport. The IOC criticised the IBA’s handling of the case and said there was no clear evidence to bar her from Olympic competition.
The debate intensified after leaked reports suggested Khelif may have XY chromosomes. This reignited broader discussions about how international sport should define eligibility in women’s categories.
Kremlev’s Call for Action
In response, Kremlev said sporting organisations must move beyond debate and establish firm policies to protect women’s categories.
He argued that unclear or inconsistent rules place female athletes at a disadvantage and undermine confidence in competition. Kremlev has called on international federations to adopt standards similar to those used by the IBA, which include eligibility testing and strict definitions within competition rules.
Kremlev said the goal is to protect women’s sports so female athletes can compete fairly and know the rules are clear and applied equally.
He added that postponing decisions or relying on vague principles has contributed to confusion and controversy, particularly during major global events such as the Paris Olympics.
Political and Global Context
Kremlev’s comments also follow recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who publicly supported stricter policies to protect women’s sport. Trump has argued that clear regulations are necessary to ensure fairness and safety for female athletes.
While views on the issue differ widely across countries and sports, the debate has become increasingly global, affecting boxing, athletics, swimming, cycling and other disciplines.
Calls for International Cooperation
Kremlev stressed that athletes should not be caught in political or ideological disputes. He called for unity among international sports leaders and urged federations to work together to create universal standards that prioritise fairness, safety and respect for women.
He said only coordinated international action can restore trust in women’s sport and reduce uncertainty for athletes, officials and fans.
As sport continues to grapple with evolving scientific, legal and ethical questions, governing bodies face increasing pressure to balance inclusion with competitive fairness. The discussion is expected to intensify ahead of future global events, including the 2028 Olympic Games.
