AFI introduces mandatory SRY gene test for female athletes on World Athletics’ directive

New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) Women athletes qualifying for the upcoming World Championships will have to undergo SRY gene test as per the latest directive of the Athletics Federation India (AFI).

The World Championships are scheduled to be held in Tokyo from September 13.

The SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene test is primarily used to identify the presence or absence of the SRY gene, which plays a crucial role in male sex determination during fetal development.

On July 30 this year, World Athletics had made it mandatory for all athletes wishing to compete in the female category at the World Championships to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene – a reliable proxy for determining biological sex.

WA had said that the test is to be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, whichever is more convenient.

The AFI sent a notice to all its affiliated units in this regard on August 13 to ensure compliance.

The AFI in its communication mentioned that it was following a directive from the World Athletics.

"This is to inform you that World Athletics has introduced the SRY gene test for athletes who wish to compete at the world ranking competitions in the female category.

"In this connection it is pertinent to mention that all female athletes who meet the qualification standards for the World Athletics Championships 2025 Tokyo, Japan should undergo the SRY gene test in consultation with Athletics Federation of India," the AFI said in its communication.

The AFI made it clear that non-compliance will render the athletes ineligible.

World athletics President Sebastian Coe while introducing the new regulation had said that, "We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female. It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology." Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase) has already secured her spot by breaching the qualification standard, while javelin thrower Annu Rani remains in contention through the world ranking quota. PTI AT AT ATK