The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has said that no woman athlete shall be eligible to compete in any of its events from next year without undergoing the Sex-Determining Region Y (SRY) gene test.

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

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

Ahead of the 65th National inter-State meet in Bhubaneswar later this month, the AFI, through its latest circular, has asked woman athletes to carry requisite documents, 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.