REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: The cost of these tests will be borne by the AFI and must be done at MedGenome Labs Ltd. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has said female athletes shall be ineligible to compete in any of its competitions from 2027 without undergoing the SRY (Sex-Determining Region Y) gene test.

In order to ensure fairness, World Athletics (WA) introduced the once-in-a-lifetime test for athletes wishing to compete in the female category at the Tokyo World Championships last year.

Starting with the Federation meet in Ranchi last month, the AFI also began testing female athletes in domestic competitions. The cost is borne by the AFI, and the test is done by a recognised lab.

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Ahead of the 65th National Inter-State meet in Bhubaneswar later this month, the AFI, through its latest circular, has asked female athletes to carry requisite documents, their passport and AFI UID card, for the test.

The AFI alerted the athletes about the consequences of skipping the test this year. “With effect from next year, no athlete shall be eligible to participate in any competition organised by the AFI without undergoing the SRY gene test,” said the circular.

It said the SRY gene test must be conducted only by MedGenome Labs Ltd., the laboratory accredited and authorised by the AFI, and an athlete must seek a letter from the AFI prior to the test.

Published on Jun 16, 2026