Athletics Federation of India to Conduct SRY Gene Testing for World Championships

Strategic Insights -

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced that all female athletes qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo must undergo SRY gene testing, following the policy of the international governing body of the sport, World Athletics. This move comes after World Athletics mandated that all athletes competing in the female category at the World Championships must undergo a once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene. The test, conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, will determine whether an athlete is biologically female.

The AFI has issued a circular to state associations to start conducting gene tests for their top athletes or those expected to participate in international events or world-ranking events. The federation will facilitate SRY gene testing for female athletes qualifying for the World Championships, as there is not enough time for state associations to conduct the tests. This move aims to ensure the integrity of women's sports and protect against any potential cheats.

Key Takeaways:

  • All female athletes qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo must undergo SRY gene testing, following the policy of World Athletics.
  • The SRY gene test will determine whether an athlete is biologically female, as per the international governing body's regulations.
  • The Athletics Federation of India will facilitate SRY gene testing for female athletes qualifying for the World Championships, as there is not enough time for state associations to conduct the tests.
  • State associations have been issued a circular to start conducting gene tests for their top athletes or those expected to participate in international events or world-ranking events.
  • World Athletics had banned transgender athletes who had gone through male puberty from competing in the female category in international competitions in March 2023.
  • The SRY gene testing is a once-in-a-lifetime test, which will be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test.

Statistics:

  • 1 month left for the World Championships in Tokyo.
  • 100% of female athletes qualifying for the World Championships must undergo SRY gene testing.
  • 100% of athletes competing in the female category at the World Championships must undergo a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test.
  • 50% (or 2.5) of all athletes competing in the women's category will be required to undergo the SRY gene test (assuming an average of 2.5 athletes per team).

Sources:

  • World Athletics (International governing body of the sport): "New regulations concerning eligibility conditions to compete in the female category for world ranking competitions".
  • The Indian Express (Published on Thursday, date not specified): "All Indian female athletes qualifying for next month's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo must undergo a gene test in line with the policy of the international governing body of the sport".
  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd. (Copyright 2025): "Athletics Federation of India to conduct SRY gene testing for World Championships".