SRY Gene test mandatory for Indian track & field athletics from 2027

The Athletics Federation of India on Monday announced making the SRY gene test mandatory for all athletes participating in its approved tournaments across all age groups from next year. The decision, however, is subject to the completion of all legal formalities."The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has decided to make the SRY Gene Test mandatory for participation in all AFI-approved competitions across all age categories, effective from 2027," the AFI said in a statement."The decision was taken at the emergent executive council meeting held on 19th September and will come into effect subject to the completion of all applicable legal formalities." View this post on Instagram A post shared | Indian Sports (@thebridge_in) The decision comes after last year, the World Athletics Council approved new regulations governing eligibility to compete in the female category at world ranking competitions.As per the new rules, all athletes who want to compete in the female category at the World Championships are required to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene, which World Athletics describes as a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. The test can be conducted through either a cheek swab or a blood sample.