In a stunning turn of events, Taiwan's boxer Lin Yu-Ting secured at least a bronze medal in the women's 57kg category at the Paris Olympics, intensifying the ongoing gender controversy within the sport. In her quarterfinal match on Sunday morning, Yu-Ting emerged victorious against Bulgaria's Svetlana Staneva, further fueling the debate surrounding her participation in the Games alongside Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.

The bout took an unexpected twist when Staneva, seemingly wanting to make a statement about her opponent's gender, made two X symbols with her index fingers. The controversial gesture was perceived as a reference to female chromosomes, bringing to light the scrutiny surrounding Yu-Ting and Khelif's participation in the Olympics.

Both Yu-Ting and Khelif have been embroiled in a clash over their gender identity, with the revelation that they were disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to failing gender eligibility tests. The International Boxing Association (IBA) had banned them based on DNA tests that allegedly proved they possessed XY chromosomes.

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which employs different eligibility tests and has severed ties with the IBA, has staunchly defended both boxers, affirming their status as females. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams addressed concerns over Khelif's gender, asserting, "The Algerian boxer was born female, was registered female, lived her life as a female, boxed as a female, and has a female passport. This is not a transgender case. Scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman."

IOC President Thomas Bach condemned any form of hatred towards Yu-Ting and Khelif, labeling it as "totally unacceptable." The controversy surrounding the two athletes has sparked intense debates and confusion.

Following the match, Staneva chose to leave the ring without commenting on her gestures or the controversy. Meanwhile, Yu-Ting refrained from making any statements regarding her involvement in the ongoing controversy.

As the debate persists, the gender controversy within Olympic boxing continues to provoke dialogue and raise questions about eligibility and fairness. With the outcomes of future matches undecided, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the sport moving forward.