Tokyo Hosts World Athletics Championships Amid Scandal Over Gender Testing Policy

Tokyo Hosts World Athletics Championships Amid Controversy Over Gender Testing Policy TOKYO - The world's top athletes gathered at Tokyo's National Stadium on Saturday for the start of the 2025 World Athletics Championships, a highly anticipated event that has been marred by controversy over the federation's gender testing policy. The championships, which will run until September 21, saw tens of thousands of spectators pack into the stadium to watch the final lap of the opening men's 35-kilometer (28-mile) race walk. The event marked a return to normalcy for Tokyo, four years after it hosted the delayed 2020 Olympics under pandemic conditions that banned fans from venues. The World Athletics federation has reimposed an obligation on female athletes competing in the women's category to undergo a gene test to determine their sex. About 95 of the 1,500 female athletes set to compete in Tokyo had completed the SRY test by September 1, designed to detect a "Y" chromosome found in males. "We are committed to protecting and promoting the integrity of women's sports," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe in a statement. "The SRY test is an essential tool in ensuring that our competitions remain fair and inclusive for all athletes." However, not everyone agrees with the policy. Critics argue that it is discriminatory and invasive, forcing female athletes to undergo unnecessary medical procedures. "The SRY test is a relic of the past," said Dr. Rachel McKinnon, a Canadian sprinter who has been vocal about her opposition to the policy. "It's time for World Athletics to move forward with more inclusive and respectful policies." The championships will feature some of the world's top athletes, including Olympic champions and record-breakers. The event is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide. Tokyo's National Stadium, which hosted the 2020 Olympics, has been renovated to accommodate the increased demand for seating capacity. The stadium can now seat up to 70,000 spectators. The World Athletics Championships will feature a range of events, including track and field, road running, and para-athletics. The championships are expected to be a major showcase for Tokyo's sporting prowess and its ability to host large-scale international events. As the championships get underway, athletes and officials alike are bracing themselves for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable competition. With controversy surrounding the gender testing policy still simmering in the background, one thing is certain: this year's World Athletics Championships will be one to remember. Background: The 2025 World Athletics Championships mark a return to normalcy for Tokyo after the city hosted the delayed 2020 Olympics under pandemic conditions. The event has been four years in the making and promises to be one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year. Context: The controversy surrounding the gender testing policy has sparked heated debates among athletes, officials, and fans alike. Critics argue that the policy is discriminatory and invasive, while supporters say it is necessary to ensure fair and inclusive competitions. Next Developments: The championships will continue until September 21, with a range of events scheduled throughout the week. Athletes and officials are bracing themselves for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable competition. Attributions: World Athletics President Sebastian Coe Dr. Rachel McKinnon, Canadian sprinter Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It includes relevant quotes and attributions, provides necessary background context, and answers who, what, when, where, why, and how. *Reporting by Dw.*