A leaked medical report has once again placed Algerian Olympic boxing gold medallist Imane Khelif under scrutiny, following claims that she may be biologically male. The report, which has circulated widely online, has added fuel to a growing debate around gender rules in women’s sports.
The document, reportedly from Dr Lal PathLabs in India, was shared by journalist Alan Abrahamson. It claims that Khelif carries the SRY gene — usually found on the Y chromosome — suggesting a male karyotype. The report dates back to March 2023, though Khelif had already faced similar controversy before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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The situation intensified after World Boxing introduced new rules in May 2025. The policy now requires athletes aged 18 and over to undergo genetic testing to determine eligibility. Until Khelif meets these new standards, she has been suspended from official events, including the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup.
World Boxing explained that the new policy was designed to maintain fairness and safety in combat sports. Khelif, 25, had earlier been disqualified by the now-defunct International Boxing Association, but that decision was later challenged by several global officials.
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Despite the allegations, Khelif made history at the Paris Games by becoming Algeria’s first female Olympic boxing champion. In response to the recent claims, the Algerian Olympic Committee has called the report baseless and politically driven.
As discussions around gender in sport continue, Khelif’s eligibility remains uncertain — highlighting the complex balance between inclusion and competitive fairness.
