Under the new policy, athletes’ eligibility will be determined through a one-time genetic screening test. The IOC said the measure is intended to ensure fairness and safety, particularly in sports involving strength and physical contact.
The ruling means transgender women will no longer be eligible to compete in the female category at Olympic events. The decision will also apply to athletes with certain differences in sexual development who have undergone male puberty.
According to the IOC, the presence of the SRY gene, linked to male biological development, will be used as a key criterion in determining eligibility.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision followed extensive consultation and was based on scientific evidence, adding that maintaining fair competition remains a priority.
The policy will take effect from the 2028 Summer Olympics and will not be applied retroactively. It will also not impact amateur or grassroots sports.
The decision comes after ongoing debate around gender eligibility in elite sport, including controversies during the 2024 Paris Olympics, and is expected to prompt further discussion within the global sporting community.
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