Turkish boxer protests gender controversy with X sign after losing to Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting

The Paris Olympics witnessed a protest on Wednesday when Türkiye’s Esra Yildiz Kahraman made an x sign with her fingers after losing to Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting in the 57kg boxing semi-final. The gesture has added fuel to the ongoing gender controversy surrounding both Lin and Algeria’s Imane Khelif.

Khelif and Lin at the center of controversy

Lin secured a unanimous points decision victory over Kahraman, ensuring her place in the finals. Following the decision, Kahraman’s x sign gesture, which mirrored that of another of Lin’s defeated opponents in an earlier bout, further spotlighted the contentious issue. Kahraman declined to comment on the meaning behind her gesture.

The controversy began when Lin and Khelif were disqualified from last year’s world championships after failing gender eligibility tests. Both athletes were later cleared to compete in Paris. The issue reignited when Khelif reached the 66kg women’s gold-medal match, defeating Angela Carini in her opening bout in just 46 seconds. Carini, visibly distressed and with a badly hurt nose, abandoned the fight in tears.

IBA and IOC at odds over gender testing

In a chaotic press conference on Monday, International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev claimed that genetic testing showed both Lin and Khelif “are men.” This statement has been strongly contested by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). IOC President Thomas Bach defended the athletes, stating they were born and raised as women and possess passports confirming their female gender. Neither athlete is known to identify as transgender.

The 2023 world championships, where Lin and Khelif were expelled, were organized by the IBA. However, due to financial, governance, and ethical concerns, the IOC is overseeing boxing at the Paris Olympics.

Back home, Lin and Khelif have received strong support from their respective authorities. Top Taiwanese sports officials have threatened legal action against the IBA following Kremlev’s controversial remarks. Khelif is set to fight China’s Yang Liu in the 66kg class on Friday for the gold medal.

As the debate over gender eligibility continues, the actions and performances of Lin and Khelif at the Paris Olympics have brought the issue to the forefront, challenging perceptions and regulations in the world of sports.