Los Angeles (Bureau): In a significant policy shift, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that transgender women will no longer be eligible to compete in women’s events at the Olympic Games. The decision, revealed in Lausanne, will come into effect from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Under the new rules, participation in female categories will be restricted to biological females. The policy introduces a mandatory one-time genetic test for athletes, which will determine eligibility based on the presence of the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome.
The IOC stated that the move is aimed at ensuring “fairness, safety and integrity” in women’s sports. It also clarified that the policy will not apply retroactively and will not affect grassroots or recreational sporting activities.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that even small physical advantages can significantly impact performance at the elite level. The committee’s research concluded that individuals born male may retain physiological advantages in strength, endurance, and power, even after transition.
The policy also affects athletes with differences in sex development (DSD), including notable cases like Caster Semenya, who has previously challenged similar regulations.
The decision aligns with broader global debates on gender eligibility in sports, including policies influenced by Donald Trump’s executive order on restricting transgender participation in women’s sports.
While the IOC maintains that the policy is based on scientific research and competitive fairness, it is expected to face criticism from human rights groups and advocacy organizations concerned about inclusion and athlete rights.
