IOC bars transgender athletes from women’s events at 2028 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new policy barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In a statement on Sunday (March 29), the IOC said only biologically female athletes will be allowed to compete in the women’s category. The policy also excludes athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) from participating in women’s events.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision was based on extensive consultation with medical experts. “This policy has been formulated entirely on the basis of expert recommendations,” she said.

The IOC said the primary objective of the decision is to ensure fairness in women’s sports. The participation of transgender and DSD athletes has been a subject of global debate in recent years, with varying policies adopted by different sporting bodies and countries.