World Athletics Introduces Mandatory Genetic Testing for Female Category Eligibility

Summary – World Athletics mandates one-time genetic testing for female category athletes to ensure eligibility in international competitions.,

Article –

World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field, has announced a groundbreaking regulation requiring all athletes competing in the female category to undergo a one-time genetic test. This measure, approved on July 30, 2025, is designed to confirm eligibility for female athletes participating in international competitions, igniting extensive debate within the sports community.

What Happened?

On July 30, 2025, World Athletics officially approved a regulation mandating genetic testing for athletes entering the female category at an international level. The policy requires each athlete to submit to a one-time genetic test aimed at identifying genetic markers linked to sex determination to verify their eligibility to compete as female athletes.

This landmark rule replaces former gender verification procedures based on hormone levels and physical examinations and addresses years of debate concerning fairness and inclusion in women’s athletics. World Athletics emphasized that the new policy strives to balance competitive equity with respect for athletes’ rights.

Key Figures and Implementation

The President of World Athletics confirmed the regulation’s approval during a press conference, highlighting the importance of preserving fair competition standards. Genetic testing will be conducted through accredited laboratories following World Athletics’ compliance guidelines.

Athletes must undergo testing before participating in World Athletics-sanctioned events. The results will remain confidential and solely used for eligibility confirmation. The test will focus on specific genetic markers, such as the presence of the SRY gene and other chromosomal factors that influence sex classification.

Key Numbers

• Effective date: Immediate, as of July 30, 2025
• Testing: One-time genetic test per athlete
• Category affected: Female category in international athletics competitions

Official Quotes

World Athletics President stated, “Our priority is to ensure a level playing field in women’s athletics. This new genetic testing regulation reflects our commitment to fairness and scientific accuracy.”

Immediate Consequences

The new regulation will directly affect athletes registering for forthcoming international competitions, including the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games qualifiers. Eligibility determinations based on genetic testing aim to standardize classification criteria consistently across countries.

Locker-Room Reactions

Reactions from athletes and national federations are varied. Some view the regulation as a positive step toward clarity and fairness, while others raise concerns about privacy, ethics, and the potential for stigmatization stemming from genetic scrutiny.

What Comes Next?

World Athletics plans to publish detailed guidelines and procedures regarding the genetic testing process in the near future. The organization will engage with athlete representatives and medical experts to monitor the impact of this regulation and address arising issues.

This new genetic testing requirement signifies a major transformation in managing gender categories within international athletics competitions. Stakeholders await further clarifications and monitor its effects on athlete participation.

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Bhavya

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