Home Australia New controversy over gender boxing at Olympics as defeated Bulgarian boxer ‘makes female chromosome gesture’ in ring after being beaten by ‘biologically male’ Lin Yu-Ting at Paris Games

New controversy over gender boxing at Olympics as defeated Bulgarian boxer ‘makes female chromosome gesture’ in ring after being beaten by ‘biologically male’ Lin Yu-Ting at Paris Games

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The International Boxing Federation has accused Lin Yu-Ting (pictured left) of being a man after failing gender eligibility tests at the world championships in India last year.

The second division boxer who won a medal today has been embroiled in a new controversy by her opponent.

Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting defeated Bulgaria’s Svetlanak Staneva in the quarterfinals of the women’s 57kg category.

But the footage shows Staneva making two “X”s with her index fingers, appearing to indicate a comment about her opponent’s gender, which has been at the centre of a major storm at the Olympics.

The International Boxing Federation has accused Yu-Ting of being a man after failing gender eligibility tests at the world championships in India last year.

Male chromosomes are designated with an X and a Y, while female chromosomes have two Xs.

But one onlooker said: “It’s quite shocking if that’s what she meant. For her to say she’s a woman and her opponent isn’t.”

The International Boxing Federation has accused Lin Yu-Ting (pictured left) of being a man after failing gender eligibility tests at the world championships in India last year.

Taiwan's Lin Yu-Ting defeated Bulgaria's Svetlanak Staneva in the quarterfinals of the women's 57kg category.

Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting defeated Bulgaria’s Svetlanak Staneva in the quarterfinals of the women’s 57kg category.

“It’s more surprising, because she kept the ropes open so Yu-Ting could get out of the ring, which was respectful.”

Initially, both fighters did not touch gloves, but the winner approached the loser and touched her on the shoulder after she had circled the ring.

Syaneva left the boxing arena in northern Paris without commenting.

After the fight, Yu-Ting refused to get involved in the current controversy.

He said: “I have received many messages of support from my country and from the people of Paris. I thank them.

‘But I haven’t been able to read them because I’ve closed my social networks.

“I’m going to keep going and go for the gold medal. I’ve won a bronze medal, but I want to win the gold.”

Khelif screams with joy as she emerges victorious from Paris - one step closer to her gold medal dreams

Khelif screams with joy as she emerges victorious from Paris – one step closer to her gold medal dreams

Imane Khelif stood firm today amid a fierce

Imane Khelif stood firm today amid a vicious “hate campaign” and took another giant step toward her gold medal dream.

Imane was seen wiping her eyes as she was overcome with emotions following her victory.

Imane was seen wiping her eyes as she was overcome with emotions following her victory.

Imane Khelif and Anna Luca Hamori photographed hugging and smiling

Imane Khelif and Anna Luca Hamori photographed hugging and smiling

He did not comment on the controversy surrounding his participation in the Olympics.

She is the second boxer to face questions over whether she should be allowed to compete in the women’s games.

The first was 25-year-old Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who became the centre of attention after her Italian opponent Angela Carini cried and walked out of the fight after just 46 seconds.

Carini, who suffered a suspected broken nose, was heard shouting “it’s not okay, it’s not okay” as he left the ring.

He later told reporters that he had never been punched that hard in his career.

But he later said he regretted how he handled the aftermath of the fight.

“I feel sorry for my opponent too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.

“I didn’t mean to (not shake her hand). In fact, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry that my Olympics were gone. I have nothing against Khelif. In fact, if I met her again, I would hug her.”

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