Olympic gold medallist Imane Khelif has announced intention to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, despite facing mandatory sex screening requirements introduced by World Boxing.
The Algerian boxer, who secured gold at Paris 2024, revealed possession of undisclosed “surprises” that will facilitate Khelif’s return to competition.
Khelif has not participated in any boxing events since the implementation of compulsory gender testing protocols.
The athlete faces uncertainty regarding eligibility as discussions continue about potential restrictions on transgender competitors and those with differences of sexual development at future Olympic Games.
Imane Khelif was permitted to take part in the Paris Olympics despite controversy surrounding her involvement | GETTY
The boxer has escalated a legal challenge to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to participate in competitions without undergoing the mandated testing procedures.
Khelif maintains that the regulations introduced by the International Boxing Association were implemented specifically to target the boxer following the Paris Olympics.
“This law issued by the International Boxing Association was specifically for Iman Khalif and not for athletes. They issued this law after the Paris Olympics,” Khelif stated.
Khelif characterised the new requirements as “fundamentally illogical and contrary to the law.”
Khelif expressed unwavering determination to secure another Olympic medal, stating: “Yes, God willing, I am still determined to achieve another Olympic medal.”
Imane Khelif won a gold medal at Paris 2024 | Reuters
Khelif revealed ongoing preparations for unspecified developments, adding: “I am working on many surprises that I have not yet announced, but God willing, we will be on the right track.
“In the Paris Olympics and after, and even now, I am still being subjected to campaigns, injustice, and new decisions from international federations.
“The dream continues, and the work continues, and as for the campaigns and the people who criticize, I say to them, continue, because I am developing.”
The controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation stems from the gold medal victory at Paris 2024, which occurred after the boxer and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting had been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for reportedly failing gender eligibility tests.
The IOC executive committee, which included current president Kirsty Coventry, permitted both athletes to compete in Paris despite the earlier disqualifications.
The International Olympic Committee is currently deliberating a significant policy change that would establish a comprehensive prohibition on transgender women across all sports for the Los Angeles Games.
The organisation has emphasised the distinction between transgender athletes and those with differences of sexual development who possess male chromosomes but were raised as female.
