India’s Dutee Chand cleared to race after ‘gender test’ rules suspending by

In an Interim Award in the arbitration procedure between Chand, Athletics Federation of India and global Association of Athletics Federations, the CAS suspended the Hyperandrogenism Regulations of the world athletics body for two years while granting permission to her to compete in both national and worldwide events. The Odisha Sprinter is ready to forget the past and move forward. It was heartbreaking at times and I cried many times. “Right now, I can breathe freely”. I will try to do my best now. She appealed the ban at the CAS in March this year.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Monday the world athletics body failed to prove that women with naturally high levels of testosterone had a competitive edge.

However, CAS has asked the IAAF to provide more scientific evidence about the quantitative relationship between enhanced testosterone levels and improved athletic performance in hyperandrogenic athletes. This will mean women athletes can compete as they are.

The CAS also suspended the Hyperandrogenism Regulations for two years until the IAAF provides scientific evidence about the effects of hyperandrogenism on athletes.

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand said Tuesday she was “super excited” about returning to athletics after a landmark ruling on the validity of so-called gender tests. The CAS Panel said this was “a testament to the seriousness with which the IAAF takes its responsibilities as the global regulator of the sport”.

“I never lost hope during this case was going on”. I am glad that the CAS panel gave such a historic verdict. I always thought if I am banned, my efforts would go to waste. It was unfair to ban me from taking part in competitions as I was just like any other athlete. “But this ruling has brought the hunger back in the belly”, said the ecstatic athlete.

“I called up my mother to convey the news and she cried after hearing the good news”.

Subjected to enormous media scrutiny, Semenya subsequently returned to the sport, winning an Olympic silver medal at London 2012.

“This verdict upholds the notion of gender equality in sports. We are delighted with the verdict”, he said.

The rules are intended to stop women competing with high levels of testosterone, which is known to increase strength and muscle mass.

Critics say so-called gender testing is arbitrary and psychologically damaging.

The court’s 161-page ruling noted that the IAAF has dealt with other athletes under the hyperandrogenism rules since April 2011.

The daughter of a weaver couple from the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Dutee was dropped from India’s contingent for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Incheon after her naturally-occurring testosterone levels were found in breach of the IAAF’s guidelines. The ruling sets a precedent that could eventually extend into swimming, as it impacts all female athletes.