AFI to fully fund SRY gene testing for female athletes, ‘will bear entire cost’: Sumariwalla

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will fully fund mandatory SRY gene testing for athletes competing in the women’s category, in line with new eligibility regulations introduced by World Athletics.

AFI spokesperson and World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla confirmed on Saturday that the testing process has already begun, following discussions at the federation’s Annual General Meeting held in Kohima on April 14–15.

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“The SRY gene test is mandatory for participation in the female category at international competitions. It is a one-time test, and AFI will bear the entire cost to ensure athletes are not financially burdened,” Sumariwalla said.

He also revealed that the federation has negotiated with accredited laboratories to reduce the cost of the test from ₹8,000 to ₹3,500 per athlete.

The decision comes after World Athletics introduced updated eligibility rules, effective September 1, 2025, which require all athletes competing in women’s category events at world-ranking competitions to undergo a one-time SRY gene test. The measure was first implemented at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025.

According to Sumariwalla, AFI will directly coordinate with approved medical laboratories and handle payments on behalf of athletes. He also emphasised safeguards against misuse. “We will closely monitor the process to prevent any impersonation or irregularities,” he said.

Maintaining confidentiality, he added that athlete privacy will be strictly protected. “Once results are uploaded to the World Athletics database, they will be permanently deleted to ensure full confidentiality,” Sumariwalla noted.

The testing, conducted via cheek swab or blood sample, will be introduced across major domestic competitions this season, including events in Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Ludhiana, and Delhi.

AFI reiterated that completion of the SRY gene test will be mandatory for women’s category athletes wishing to compete in international competitions.