IOC bans transgender women athletes from Olympics, introduces new policy on female eligibility
The policy is also the result of an IOC review between September 2024 and March 2026, and including consideration of the IOC's policy for the female category.
The IOC have decided to exclude transgender women athletes from the Olympics, agreeing to a new eligibility policy on Thursday. The IOC's decision aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order on women's sports.
The IOC has decided to ban transgender women athletes. (REUTERS)
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In a press release, the body confirmed that eligibility for any female category event at the Olympics or any other IOC event will now be limited to ‘biological females’, determined on the basis of a one-time SRY gene screening.
"Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females," the International Olympic Committee said.
The eligibility will be “determined on the basis of a one-time SRY gene screening.”
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The policy is also the result of an IOC review between September 2024 and March 2026, which included consideration of the IOC's policy for the female category. The review had consultations from a range of experts in relevant fields.
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The policy is also the result of an IOC review between September 2024 and March 2026, which included consideration of the IOC's policy for the female category. The review had consultations from a range of experts in relevant fields.
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Speaking about the policy, IOC chief Kirsty Coverntry said, "As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe."
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"Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime. There must be clear education around the process and counselling available, alongside expert medical advice," she added.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Others/IOC bans transgender women athletes from Olympics, introduces new policy on female eligibility
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