Boxing/Boxing boss questions Lin Yuting’s gender and voluntarily withdraws from competition

Lin Yuting‘s Withdrawal from Boxing Competition

Lin Yuting, known as the “Golden Boxing Queen,” traveled to the UK to compete in the year-end tournament organized by the World Boxing Federation. However, the organization questioned her eligibility to compete. Facing this challenge, Lin’s team decided to withdraw from the event.

Cheuk Wing-tae, the Chief Executive Officer, expressed regret about the situation. He emphasized that the government would continue to advocate for Lin’s right to participate in international competitions. Zheng Shizhong, the Director of Physical Education, stated that Lin has received recognition and support from the International Olympic Committee, affirming her identity as a female athlete. The country plans to send doctors to the World Boxing Federation headquarters to safeguard Lin’s participation rights.

Earlier this year, Lin had been stripped of her bronze medal from the World Boxing Championships due to an “abnormal gender biochemical index.” Despite this setback, she successfully competed in the Hangzhou Asian Games and qualified for the Paris Olympics.

Zheng Shizhong highlighted that the World Boxing Federation is new and still developing its operational processes. He noted the absence of privacy protocols within the medical committee, which contributed to the complications surrounding Lin’s eligibility. Lin’s team had been prepared to engage with the local organizers but ultimately chose to withdraw to mitigate further harm.

To address the expected challenges in the competition, the sports administration had appointed a deputy director and an experienced coach to accompany Lin in the UK. They intended to meet with the World Boxing Federation’s medical committee, alongside legal representation, to discuss the matter.

Zheng Shizhong hopes that the situation will lead the World Boxing Federation to establish clear and fair competition rules, addressing past issues within the International Boxing Federation. Zhuo Rongtai, during a visit to the Criminal Bureau, conveyed sadness over Lin’s withdrawal but affirmed the Boxing Association’s commitment to ensuring her participation in future international events, including the 2028 Olympics.