Athletics Federation of India to Launch Mandatory SRY Gene Testing for Female Athletes from May

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced a significant new policy requiring mandatory SRY gene testing for all female athletes participating in national events, set to begin in May 2026. This initiative aims to uphold fairness and integrity in women’s athletics, aligning with the standards established by World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Purpose and Implementation

The primary goal of the SRY gene test is to verify the eligibility of female athletes by detecting the presence of the SRY gene, which is linked to male biological characteristics. This measure is part of recent global efforts to improve eligibility criteria and foster fair competition across all age groups and athletic disciplines.

The AFI has emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field in athletics. According to an AFI spokesperson, the policy is designed to ensure athletes compete on the basis of merit and to bring Indian athletics in line with international regulations.

Key Details and Impact

• Testing confidentiality: Athletes will be informed in advance about the procedures, and privacy will be strictly protected throughout the process.
• Respectful and professional approach: The testing is intended solely for eligibility confirmation without infringing on athletes’ privacy.
• Preparation adjustments: Coaches and support teams are already adapting to the new regulations ahead of national championships and qualifying trials for major international events.
• Upcoming major competitions: The Commonwealth Games and Asian Athletics Championships will be among the first to feature athletes under these revised eligibility rules.

Public and Sporting Community Reactions

The introduction of mandatory SRY gene testing has sparked varied responses among fans and the sports community. Some support AFI’s dedication to fairness, while others raise ethical and scientific questions about such gender testing measures.

Despite ongoing debates, the federation remains committed to implementing the testing from May 2026 and aligning Indian athletics with global sports governance to promote equitable competition.

For further updates, stay tuned to Space Sports.

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