Questions of Gender Amid Russia-West Tensions in the World of Boxing

Despite not being recognised as boxing’s governing body since last year, the Russian-controlled IBA has managed to distract attention from Olympic triumphs.

Imane Khelif (R) of Team Algeria interacts with Anna Luca Hamori of Team Hungary after the Women's 66kg quarter-final round match on day 8 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena in Paris, France, on Aug. 3, 2024. Richard Pelham/Getty Images

As viewers and competitors celebrate medal triumphs, personal bests, and Olympic records, the 2024 Paris Olympics hasn’t been without its controversies, including one involving just two of the more than 11,000 athletes participating.

Boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting have been caught in an ongoing dispute between Russia and the West for control of the sport, with issues over their gender and eligibility raised as part of this conflict.