PARIS (TVBS News) — Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) secured a spot in the gold medal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Thursday (Aug. 8) at 3:30 a.m. Taiwan time, after defeating Esra Yildiz Kahraman from Turkey in the 57kg semifinal with a 5-0 victory.
Following the match, Kahraman crossed her index fingers to form an X, implying controversy over Lin's gender. This gesture highlighted ongoing debates involving Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif regarding their eligibility.
Last year, the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Lin and Khelif from the 2023 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi due to failed chromosomal tests. On Monday, IBA Secretary General Chris Roberts stated that the IBA would not reveal those test results but suggested, "You can read between the lines what it means."
Despite the IBA's stance, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has publicly voiced its support for Lin and Khelif. IOC President Thomas Bach condemned the "hate speech" directed at the boxers, calling it "totally unacceptable." The IOC revoked the IBA's certification last year, leading to the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit overseeing the Olympic boxing events. Both the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit and the IOC confirmed that all participating boxers meet the eligibility criteria.
Lin stated she remains unfazed by the gender controversy and is focused solely on her performance. She will face Polish boxer Julia Szeremeta in the gold medal match on Sunday (Aug. 11) at 3:30 a.m. Taiwan time.
