AFI to Fund Mandatory SRY Gene Testing for Female Athletes

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced it will fully fund mandatory SRY gene testing for female athletes, in line with new regulations from World Athletics. This one-time test is essential for participation in international competitions and aims to ensure that no athlete faces financial burdens. The AFI has negotiated to reduce testing costs significantly and will oversee the process to maintain athlete privacy. The rollout will occur in key domestic events, emphasizing the importance of compliance for international eligibility. Read on to learn more about the implications of these new regulations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 00:53 IST

Funding for SRY Gene Testing

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced that it will cover the costs associated with mandatory SRY gene testing for athletes competing in the female category. This initiative aligns with the new eligibility standards set by World Athletics.

Details from the Press Conference

During a press conference held on Saturday, AFI spokesperson and World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla revealed that the testing process is already underway. This follows discussions from the federation's Annual General Meeting that took place in Kohima on April 14 and 15. Sumariwalla stated, "The SRY gene test is essential for participation in the female category at international competitions. It is a one-time requirement, and the AFI will cover the costs to ensure athletes are not financially burdened." He also mentioned that the federation has successfully negotiated with accredited laboratories to lower the testing fee from Rs 8,000 to Rs 3,500 per athlete.

New Regulations by World Athletics

This initiative is in response to new regulations introduced by World Athletics, which will take effect on September 1, 2025. These rules were first applied during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025. The regulations require all athletes competing in the female category in world-ranking events to undergo a one-time SRY gene test, which serves as a reliable indicator of biological sex.

Testing Procedures and Privacy Assurance

Sumariwalla explained that the AFI will work directly with laboratories designated by its medical commission and will handle payments for the athletes. "We will ensure strict oversight of the testing process to prevent impersonation," he added. He emphasized that protecting athlete privacy is a top priority, stating, "Once the results are uploaded to the World Athletics database, they will be destroyed to maintain complete confidentiality."

Implementation in Domestic Competitions

The testing, which can be performed using either a cheek swab or a blood sample, will be implemented in key domestic competitions this season, including national events in Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Ludhiana, and Delhi. The AFI reiterated that athletes in the female category must complete the mandatory test to be eligible for international competitions.