Every individual has the right to participate in sports free from discrimination.
All athletes competing in the boxing tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games adhere to the competition's eligibility and entry regulations, as well as the medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU) (see the applicable rules here). As with previous Olympic boxing events, athlete gender and age are determined based on their passports.
These regulations were in effect during the qualification period, which included the boxing tournaments at the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games, Pacific Games, the ad hoc 2023 African qualifying tournament in Dakar (SEN), and two world qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio (ITA) and Bangkok (THA) in 2024. These events involved 1,471 boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team, and Individual Neutral Athletes, with over 2,000 qualification bouts.
The PBU adopted the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a foundation to develop its regulations for Paris 2024, aiming to minimize disruption to athletes' preparations and ensure consistency between Olympic Games. These rules were based on the post-Rio 2016 standards, which were in place before the IOC suspended the boxing International Federation in 2019 and withdrew its recognition in 2023.
The two athletes were abruptly disqualified by the IBA towards the end of the 2023 World Championships without proper process. According to the IBA’s own minutes, this decision was initially made solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO, with the IBA Board ratifying it later and only then establishing a procedure for future cases and a clear procedure on gender testing.
The current issues facing these athletes stem from this arbitrary decision, which was made without adequate procedures—especially considering their long history of competing at high levels.
Such actions contravene principles of good governance. Eligibility rules should not be altered during ongoing competition, and any changes must follow proper processes and be supported by scientific evidence.
The IOC is dedicated to upholding the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games in accordance with the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics, and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC deplores the mistreatment the two athletes are currently experiencing.
The IOC withdrew recognition of the IBA in 2023 following its suspension in 2019, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOC has stated that National Boxing Federations must reach a consensus on a new International Federation for boxing to be included in the Olympic sports program for the LA28 Games.