In a recent statement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing equal opportunities for all athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The IOC reiterates that every person has the right to practice sport without any form of discrimination.

The IOC emphasizes that all athletes competing in the boxing tournament have complied with the eligibility and entry regulations, as well as the medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). The rules regarding gender and age categorization are based on the athletes' passports, similar to previous Olympic boxing competitions.

These regulations have been consistently applied during the qualification period, which included various boxing tournaments such as the European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games, Pacific Games, African qualifying tournament, and two world qualifying tournaments. A total of 1,471 boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team, and Individual Neutral Athletes participated in these events, engaging in over 2,000 qualification bouts.

To ensure consistency and minimize disruptions to athletes' preparations, the PBU developed its regulations for Paris 2024 by using the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline. These rules were established based on the post-Rio 2016 rules that were in place before the IOC suspended the boxing International Federation in 2019 and subsequently withdrew its recognition in 2023.

Addressing the recent reports of misleading information regarding two female athletes competing in Paris 2024, the IOC clarifies that these athletes have a long-standing history of participating in women's boxing competitions, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships, and IBA-sanctioned tournaments. The athletes have been subject to an arbitrary decision made by the IBA without due process, resulting in their disqualification during the 2023 IBA World Championships.

The decision to disqualify the athletes was initially made by the IBA Secretary General and CEO, later ratified by the IBA Board. The IBA has been urged to establish proper procedures for similar cases and incorporate them into their regulations, as highlighted in the IBA minutes available on their website, which also suggest the need for a clear procedure on gender testing.

The IOC strongly opposes the current aggression these athletes are facing, emphasizing that eligibility rules should never be changed during ongoing competitions. Any rule changes must follow appropriate processes and be based on scientific evidence, ensuring good governance and protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games.

It is important to note that the IOC had previously withdrawn its recognition of the IBA in 2023 following the IBA's suspension in 2019. This withdrawal of recognition was subsequently confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Looking ahead, the IOC emphasizes the need for National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus around a new International Federation to ensure the inclusion of boxing in the sports program for the Olympic Games LA28.

The IOC remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and respect for athletes, ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to showcase their talent and compete on the world stage.