PARIS (TVBS News) — Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reiterated his support on Friday (Aug. 9) for Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, both embroiled in gender allegations, stating, "This is a question of justice."
Both women have faced gender-related allegations following the International Boxing Association's (IBA) decision last year to disqualify them from the world championships for allegedly failing gender tests. The IBA, primarily sponsored by Russia, has not provided evidence supporting their disqualification, raising concerns about its credibility.
Speaking at a press conference, Bach emphasized that women must be allowed to compete in women's events and reaffirmed that both athletes are women. The IOC has also repeatedly endorsed Khelif and Lin's compliance with participation rules. Bach stated, "If somebody presents us with a scientifically solid system to identify men and women, we would be the first ones to adopt it."
Regarding the inclusion of boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Bach noted that a decision will be made in the first half of next year, although he expressed pessimism about its prospects.
Khelif claimed the women's 66kg boxing gold medal after defeating Chinese boxer Yang Liu (楊柳) on Friday evening. Meanwhile, Lin Yu-ting is set to compete for the women's 57kg gold medal on Sunday at 3:30 a.m., Taiwan Time.