Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), have broken their silence on claims of a controversial medical document proving Khelif to be biologically male.
The 26-year-old took to Instagram to celebrate her parents on Unicef's Global Day of Parents, conspicuously avoiding any mention of the renewed gender eligibility controversy surrounding her.
The Algerian gold medallist shared a photograph of herself in Unicef attire whilst forming a heart shape with her hands.
In her Instagram caption, Khelif expressed gratitude towards her parents' unwavering support throughout her journey.
She wrote: "Today, I became a champion, but it all started long ago. When my parents believed in me, even when the dream felt too big. When they supported me, listened to me, and stood by me."
She acknowledged the challenges of parenthood, stating: "Being a parent isn't easy. There's no manual. But the love, patience, and trust you give your child can change everything."
The post concluded with appreciation for "everyday heroes" and highlighted her partnership with UNICEF Algeria in celebrating parental dedication.
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Imane Khelif has been ordered to take a mandatory sex screening before competing again
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The IOC also responded to these developments with measured restraint.
An IOC spokesperson stated: "The IOC has always made it clear that eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the respective International Federation."
They added: "The factors that matter to sports performance are unique to each sport, discipline, and/or event. We await the full details how sex testing will be implemented in a safe, fair and legally enforceable way."
The IOC's position maintains distance from the controversy whilst acknowledging World Boxing's authority over eligibility standards.
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Their statement notably avoids direct commentary on Khelif's specific situation or the leaked medical documentation.
The controversy stems from a leaked medical document reportedly dated March 17, 2023, which allegedly indicates Khelif possesses a "male karyotype".
The report, published by 3 Wire Sports and seen by Telegraph Sport, claims to originate from Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi.
This revelation emerged less than 48 hours after World Boxing declared that Khelif would need to complete sex screening to compete in female categories.
The governing body has introduced mandatory PCR testing to detect Y chromosome genetic material.
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The leaked medical results reportedly showed Imane Khelif was a biological male
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Should results reveal Y chromosome presence or possible DSD (difference of sexual development), independent clinical specialists would conduct further examinations including genetic screening and hormonal profiles.
Khelif secured Olympic gold in the women's 66kg category at the Paris Games last summer, dominating her division despite significant controversy.
Her triumph came after the International Boxing Association had disqualified her from the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi.
The IBA claimed both Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting had failed unspecified gender eligibility tests.
However, the Paris Boxing Unit, which replaced the IBA as the Olympic governing body, cleared both athletes to compete based on their female passports.
The 26-year-old has consistently contested the IBA's findings and expressed intentions to pursue professional boxing opportunities.
World Boxing's new mandatory testing policy requires PCR analysis to detect the SRY gene, which reveals Y chromosome presence.
The governing body has provisional authority for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where all competitors over 18 must undergo sex screening.
In their letter to the Algerian Boxing Federation, World Boxing explicitly stated: "Imane Khelif may not compete in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or in any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic screening in accordance with World Boxing's rules and testing procedures."
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