World Athletics Introduces New Eligibility Regulations for Female Category
The World Athletics Council has announced a significant change in its eligibility rules for the female category in world ranking competitions. Starting 1 September 2025, all athletes wishing to participate in the female category will be required to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test, a reliable biological marker for determining sex. This landmark decision will first be implemented at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, beginning 13 September 2025.
The SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y) test will be conducted through a cheek swab or blood test, whichever is more convenient for the athlete. The test will be administered under the supervision of Member Federations, ensuring authenticity and compliance.
This genetic test acts as a scientific proxy for determining biological sex, removing ambiguities and controversies surrounding eligibility in the women’s category.
The regulations follow recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, approved by the Council in March 2025 after over a year of consultations with experts in law, science, sport, and society. The key recommendations included,
According to Eligibility Rule 3.5, athletes allowed to compete in the female category include,
Despite the new regulations, World Athletics reaffirmed its core commitments,
The World Championships in Tokyo will be the first major global event where the new regulations are enforced. This will serve as a litmus test for the policy’s impact on athlete participation, fairness, and the global sporting community’s response.
The move is expected to spark further debates on gender and biology in sports, but World Athletics maintains that the rules are essential to preserve fair play and the spirit of women’s athletics.
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