China News Service, June 20 (Reuters) - The International Swimming Federation (FINA) voted on the 19th local time to restrict transgender athletes from competing in elite-level women's events.
FINA will create an "open" competition category for transgender athletes in some sports.
FINA's decision was reportedly made at its Extraordinary General Assembly, after FINA members heard a report from a transgender task force made up of medical, legal and sporting figures Composition of leaders.
The rights of transgender people have become a major talking point as the sports world seeks to balance inclusivity while ensuring there are no unfair advantages.
FINA's new eligibility policy states that for male-to-female transgender athletes, only those who can demonstrate "have not experienced Tanner Stage 2 (a stage of early puberty) or any male puberty other than before the age of 12". are eligible to participate.
"We must protect the rights of athletes to participate, but we must also protect the fairness of competition in our sports, especially the FINA women's competition," said the FINA president.