Taiwan gender-row boxer Lin Yu-ting wins Asian Games gold

Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who faced controversy over her gender eligibility at the 2024 Paris Olympics, secured a gold medal at the Asian Games on Wednesday. Lin defeated China’s Yang Chengyu 5-0 in the women’s 60kg final at the Nishio Gymnasium in Nagoya, marking her second consecutive gold at the Asian Games after winning in the 57kg class three years ago.

The 30-year-old Taiwanese athlete was supported by a small group of vocal Taiwanese fans during her victory. Lin had initially considered retiring after her Olympic triumph but decided to continue fighting, partly to challenge those who questioned her eligibility. Her opponent, Yang, failed to make a significant comeback in the final round, allowing Lin to claim the gold.

Before the Games, Lin had expressed her determination to continue competing despite the controversy. Imane Khelif of Algeria, who faced a similar issue with the International Boxing Association (IBA) and was later allowed to compete, also won gold at the Paris Olympics. However, both Lin and Khelif had to overcome the IBA's decision that they had failed unspecified gender eligibility tests.

Lin's triumph at 57kg in Paris was followed by her step-up in weight division for the Asian Games. China’s Olympic champion Wu Yu also secured gold, defending her title in the 51kg class by defeating Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tam 5-0.