Published : 16 Aug 2026, 04:53 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:33 AM
The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) has barred Bangladesh Army athlete Jannat Begum and Bangladesh Navy athlete Kabita Roy from competing in the women's category after failing eligibility tests.
The federation shared the decision on Saturday, also cancelling the medals won by the two athletes and decided to award them to the next-ranked competitors in the respective events.
The decision follows a dispute that began in 2024, when the army and navy questioned Jannat and Kabita’s eligibility to compete in women’s events.
A five-member medical team at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) was formed to examine the athletes.
According to the federation, the medical board began assessing the athletes on Sept 10, 2025, and submitted its final report on May 16, 2026.
The report said Jannat, 28, and Kabita, 19, were diagnosed with 46 XY DSD, a difference of sex development, based on hormonal and physical examinations.
Their blood testosterone levels also exceeded the limit set under World Athletics' DSD rules.
Jannat's level was 19.66nmol/L, compared with the 2.5nmol/L limit, while Kabita's was 16.50nmol/L.
Under the World Athletics DSD Code, in force since Mar 31, 2023, athletes covered by the rules must maintain testosterone below 2.5nmol/L for 24 consecutive months to compete in the women's category.
Based on the medical board's findings, the federation's executive committee unanimously decided to permanently bar both athletes from competing in women's events.
The federation also cancelled Jannat's eight gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, including medals from events in which she set national records in the javelin and discus.
Kabita's one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals from the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events were also cancelled.
The medals will be redistributed to the next-ranked athletes in accordance with the applicable rules.
