Beginning **September 1, 2025**, **all athletes** competing in the **female category** at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships must undergo a **one-time genetic test**—most commonly via cheek swab—to confirm the absence of the **SRY gene**, the biological sex determinant found on the Y chromosome Reuters explains the new eligibility rule.
The decision comes after global controversy surrounding **Imane Khelif**, Algeria’s Olympic boxing champion, whose participation in world championships was previously blocked over alleged chromosome test failures. Khelif was still allowed to compete in Paris 2024—but the uproar led to a broader call for consistent validation of biological sex at elite sport’s most critical level UNILAD reports on policy origins and The Guardian’s account of Board approval.
This new SRY gene test effectively merges existing regulations that address both **Differences of Sex Development (DSD)** and **transgender eligibility**. Athletes previously permitted under older rules—such as Christine Mboma—can continue to compete if their **testosterone stays below 2.5 nmol/L**, but all athletes must now prove they are genetically female ABC News outlines the transitional provisions and El País editions explain national roll‑out.
World Athletics president **Sebastian Coe** stressed the move is vital for preserving a **level playing field** in women’s sport, stating that at the highest level, “gender cannot override biology”—a principle the Federation Council endorsed in March 2025 under guidance from its Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group Coe’s public remarks and expanded upon in Reuters’ coverage on implementation timing and purpose.
Meanwhile, at the national level, Spain’s Athletics Federation has already begun administering the new SRY test to top female candidates during national selection trials. Results are kept confidential and athletes receive **digital eligibility certificates**—valid for life. Those testing positive for the Y chromosome may still compete if they have a DSD condition and meet required testosterone thresholds through medical regulation Spanish Athletics explains protocol at trials.
“These rules aim to preserve fairness—but ethical concerns remain for DSD athletes and inclusion.”
**Imane Khelif’s case** opened the debate. Despite being barred by the IBA from competing at the 2023 World Championships over disputed gender tests, the IOC cleared her to fight in Paris—prompting critics to argue that inconsistent rules undermine fairness. Khelif has maintained her identity as a woman and filed legal claims against wrongful treatment New York Post details Khelif’s legal stand and Le Monde explores the Olympic row.
Experts warn that gene-based eligibility raises important ethical and privacy questions. Historical experiences—from invasive chromosome checks in mid‑20th century athletics to later hormone-based regulation—highlight long-standing debate over whether sporting bodies should control biological standards at all according to sex-verification history records.
With **Tokyo hosting the World Championships from September 13**, federations worldwide must collect test results by September 1—any delay or refusal will disqualify athletes from female events. Though fees are nominal and covered by national bodies, critics say the rule could unfairly exclude genetic variations that have no performance advantage ABC clarifies compliance procedures.
As the sport evolves, this landmark decision redefines eligibility—and tests the balance between competitive integrity and the rights of gender-diverse, DSD, and transgender athletes. The debate is far from settled, but athletes across disciplines will now be facing scrutiny at the molecular level—before they can earn a place on the podium.
