World Boxing Championships 2025 Liverpool begins with 540 boxers from 66 countries. India fields 20-member squad with Lovlina and Nikhat. Controversy over genetic sex testing adds global attention.
World Boxing Championships 2025 Kicks Off in Liverpool
A New Era in Amateur Boxing Begins in Liverpool
The historic 2025 World Boxing Championships officially commenced on 4 September 2025 at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, marking the inaugural edition of this event under the stewardship of the newly established governing body, World Boxing This is the first time that men’s and women’s world championships are being held together in a single tournament, reflecting a significant move toward gender inclusivity in the sport
Massive Global Participation Signals Prestige
This groundbreaking championship features over 540 boxers hailing from 66 to 68 countries spanning five continents These athletes will compete across 20 weight categories—ten for men and ten for women—bringing together Olympic medalists and rising stars alike
Comprehensive Broadcast Reach via Eurovision Sport
To extend the tournament’s reach, Eurovision Sport, the digital platform of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), is livestreaming the championships, making it accessible globally in select territories . This partnership not only increases visibility but also underscores World Boxing’s commitment to professional, wide-ranging coverage of elite amateur competition .
India’s Aspirational Contingent Takes Center Stage
India has fielded a robust 20-member contingent, headlined by decorated pugilists such as Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, and two-time Asian champion Pooja Rani On the men’s side, the team includes accomplished boxers like Sumit Kundu, Sachin Siwach, along with promising debutants Jadumani Singh Mandengbam, Hitesh Gulia, and Abhinash Jamwal
Gender Eligibility Rule Sparks Controversy and Disqualification
World Boxing introduced a stringent sex eligibility policy—requiring all female competitors to undergo PCR-based genetic sex testing, designed to detect the presence of the Y chromosome—in an effort to ensure fairness and safety in competition While all 10 Indian women successfully passed this testing and secured their eligibility several high-profile cases have surfaced:
- Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif was barred from competing after being unable to complete the required testing and waiting on a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing
- Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, embroiled in controversy over gender eligibility at the Paris Olympics, also withdrew from the championships under ambiguous circumstances linked to testing protocols
- The French women’s boxing team was disqualified for missing the sex test submission deadline, a situation complicated by France’s national ban on gender testing—leading to intense criticism of both World Boxing’s policy and logistical preparations
B) Why This News Is Important
Bolsters Fairness and Inclusivity But Raises Privacy Concerns
The introduction of mandatory genetic sex testing for female athletes is a watershed moment in amateur boxing. On one hand, it aims to ensure fairness, safety, and integrity in women’s competitions. On the other, it ignites a broader debate on the ethical and privacy implications of such invasive testing methods . The controversies involving high-profile athletes like Imane Khelif and the French team underscore the potential emotional and logistical pitfalls of this policy.
A Milestone in Boxing Governance and Global Reach
This event represents the debut of World Boxing as the recognized authority over Olympic-style boxing, signaling a shift in governance away from the controversial IBA. Hosting a combined men’s and women’s world championship, and streaming it through Eurovision Sport, also highlights a bid to modernize the sport and reach wider audiences
Key Platform for Indian Boxing Aspirations
For aspiring athletes preparing for various government and defence exam-related roles (like SSC CGL, Teachers, Banking, etc.), the performance of Indian boxers such as Lovlina and Nikhat holds both motivational and aspirational value. Their success can inspire and reflect India’s growing competitiveness on the global sports stage, amplifying national prestige.
C) Historical Context
Shift from IBA to World Boxing
The International Boxing Association (IBA) lost recognition due to governance concerns, prompting the IOC to entrust boxing oversight to the newly formed World Boxing (established in 2023). In May 2025, World Boxing expanded its membership to 106 national federations, including major boxing powerhouses like Cuba, Ireland, and Spain, paving the way for its inaugural world championships in Liverpool
Past Gender Verification Practices and Their Evolution
Genetic sex testing was once common in sports but was largely abolished in favor of hormone-based evaluations due to its complexity and ethical challenges. The reintroduction of genetic testing by World Boxing is thus a return to earlier, more controversial methods—mirroring a wider trend seen in track and field governed by World Athletics
D) Key Takeaways from “World Boxing Championships 2025 Kicks Off in Liverpool”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The 2025 World Boxing Championships, held from 4–14 September in Liverpool, is the first edition organized by the new body, World Boxing. |
| 2 | Over 540 boxers from 66–68 countries will compete across 20 weight categories (10 men’s, 10 women’s). |
| 3 | Indian team of 20 boxers includes top names like Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen among others, all competing in both men’s and women’s divisions. |
| 4 | Mandatory genetic sex testing in women’s categories has sparked controversy—leading to exclusion or withdrawal of athletes like Imane Khelif, Lin Yu-Ting, and the French team. |
| 5 | The championships mark a new era in boxing governance with World Boxing replacing IBA and expanding global reach through digital streaming with Eurovision Sport. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When and where is the 2025 World Boxing Championships taking place?
The 2025 World Boxing Championships are being held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, from 4–14 September 2025 at the M&S Bank Arena.
2. How many athletes are competing in the 2025 World Boxing Championships?
More than 540 athletes from about 66–68 countries are competing across 20 weight categories.
3. Which Indian boxers are participating in the event?
India’s contingent of 20 includes prominent names like Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat Zareen, Pooja Rani, Sumit Kundu, Sachin Siwach, along with debutants such as Jadumani Singh Mandengbam, Hitesh Gulia, and Abhinash Jamwal.
4. Why was there controversy around sex eligibility at the championships?
World Boxing introduced mandatory genetic sex testing for female athletes to ensure fairness. This led to the disqualification of some athletes, including Algeria’s Imane Khelif and the French women’s team.
5. Who is organizing the championships, and why is it significant?
The event is organized by World Boxing, the new global governing body for amateur boxing, marking a shift from the International Boxing Association (IBA), which lost recognition due to governance concerns.
6. What is the significance of combining men’s and women’s events?
For the first time, men’s and women’s world championships are being held together, symbolizing gender inclusivity and modernization of the sport.
7. How can fans watch the championships?
Eurovision Sport, the digital platform of the European Broadcasting Union, is livestreaming the championships for global audiences in select territories.
8. What does this event mean for India’s boxing future?
It is a platform for Indian boxers to gain international recognition, build momentum toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and inspire young athletes preparing for sports-related government services.
9. What is World Boxing’s role in Olympic boxing?
World Boxing, formed in 2023, is now recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the global governing body responsible for managing Olympic-style boxing.
10. Which teams or athletes were most affected by the new testing rules?
Algeria’s Olympic champion Imane Khelif, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, and the French women’s boxing team were either barred or withdrew due to issues with compliance.
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