IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision is intended to ensure fairness in competition. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition,” she stated. “It is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”

The IOC said the policy is based on research indicating that male sex development provides advantages in strength, power, and endurance, which may persist after transition. The policy document states that males experience three testosterone peaks—in utero, during infancy, and from puberty through adulthood—which contribute to “individual sex-based performance advantages.”

The decision follows years of debate involving high-profile athletes. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won gold at the Paris 2024 Games after having faced online abuse and accusations regarding her gender eligibility. Khelif faced further scrutiny after a leaked medical report allegedly indicated an XY chromosome pattern and internal testicles. The report suggested she may have 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a condition in which genetic males may be raised as females due to ambiguous external genitalia. Her father, Omar Khelif, said, “My child is a girl. She was raised as a girl.” Under the new policy, such athletes would be excluded from female competition unless they can demonstrate the absence of performance-enhancing effects from testosterone.

South African runner Caster Semenya has also been central to the debate. She recently ended a seven-year legal challenge against regulations that required her to lower her natural testosterone levels. The new IOC policy replaces hormone monitoring with a permanent genetic screening approach.

The policy received political support from U.S. President Donald Trump, who wrote on Truth Social: “Congratulations to the International Olympic Committee on their decision to ban Men from Women’s Sports. This is only happening because of my powerful Executive Order, standing up for Women and Girls!”

Legal challenges are expected, with experts anticipating cases at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne ahead of the LA28 Games.

The IOC said the policy will not apply retroactively and will not affect grassroots or recreational sports . For elite athletes, the SRY screening will be conducted through saliva, cheek swab, or blood tests and is described as “unintrusive.”

Coventry said athlete welfare will be considered in the process. “Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime,” she said, adding that education, counselling, and mental health support will be provided. Athletes who test SRY-positive will be eligible to compete in male, mixed, or “open” categories where available.

The policy includes an exception for individuals with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS). Athletes with CAIS may be eligible for the female category despite testing SRY-positive if they do not benefit from the performance effects of testosterone. This requires a clinical diagnosis confirming that their bodies do not respond to male sex hormones.

The IOC said that in most cases, the presence of the SRY gene is “highly accurate evidence” of male sex development and associated performance advantages, while noting that the CAIS exception applies where these biological factors do not translate into a competitive advantage.

Brazil leads the regional contingent with 14 competitors, the largest ever for the South American nation at a Winter Olympics, competing in five sports including alpine skiing, skeleton and bobsleigh. Argentina follows with around eight athletes in events such as alpine and cross-country skiing, luge and more. Mexico is also notable with several competitors, including figure skater Donovan Carrillo, who previously helped break a decades-long absence in Olympic figure skating finals and continues to be a focal point of Latin America’s winter sport narrative.

Smaller delegations from Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay and Puerto Rico round out the Latin American presence, each represented by one or two athletes in sports ranging from skeleton and cross-country skiing to alpine events. Colombia, for example, fields athletes in both cross-country skiing and skeleton, reflecting the broadening base of participation across the region.

For many of these competitors, reaching the Winter Olympics involves extensive preparation abroad, often training in snowy climates far from home while balancing limited local infrastructure and funding. Carrillo’s journey, training in Canada under elite coaching and returning as one of the region’s most visible competitors, illustrates both the challenges and aspirations of Latin American winter athletes.

The record delegation comes as the Games bring together more than 3,500 athletes from 93 nations, competing for medals in 16 disciplines, including figure skating, alpine skiing and luge. Latin America ’s expanded representation, although still modest compared with traditional winter sport powerhouses, reflects increasing ambition and investment in non-traditional sporting arenas.

While no Latin American competitor has yet won a Winter Olympic medal, the milestone of sending a record number of athletes in 2026 carries symbolic significance for the region. It highlights not only personal achievements but also the potential for broader development of winter sports culture across countries historically associated with warm climates. As the Milan-Cortina Games unfold, Latin American athletes continue to capture attention, fostering inspiration for future generations and signalling that ice and snow have a place in the region’s sporting story.

Brazil won 20 medals at the Games, including three gold, seven silver, and ten bronze, ranking 20th overall. The delegation of 276 athletes included many who benefit from the federal Athlete Grant welfare programme.

Lula used the occasion to emphasise the significance of investing in sports, especially for underprivileged youth. “Let's mark today as a new era for sport in this country,” he said. “I want to help this country be a country that bets big on kids who dedicate themselves to practising sport.”

He praised the athletes as inspirations for young Brazilians and, in a fun moment, invited two skateboarders to perform kickflips on the marble floor of the presidential palace.

This list highlights the top 10 countries that have achieved the most Olympic gold medals of all time, reflecting their dedication, talent, and enduring legacy in the world of sports.

According to NBC New York , here are the top 10 countries with the most Olympic gold medals of all time:

The approved sports are baseball-softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, adding a fresh and diverse lineup to the Olympic program.

“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it. They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centres, stadiums and parks across the U.S. and the globe,” said LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman.  Adding that, “they will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience.”

“The choice of these five new sports is in line with the American sports culture and will showcase iconic American sports to the world while bringing international sports to the United States. These sports will make the Olympic Games LA28 unique. Their inclusion will allow the Olympic Movement to engage with new athlete and fan communities in the US and globally” said IOC President Thomas Bach. 

Baseball and softball, which have been traditionally gender-specific in the Olympics, will return to the Games, with baseball for men and softball for women. These sports have a strong following, particularly in the Americas and East Asia, and their return is expected to resonate with fans globally.

Cricket, one of the world's most popular sports, particularly in countries like India, Australia, and the United Kingdom, has also been approved. Its inclusion is expected to draw a vast international audience, and further expand the global reach of the Olympics.

Flag football, a limited-contact version of American football, has also been added.

Lacrosse, known for its fast pace and physicality, also received approval, adding a historic and dynamic team sport to the mix.

Finally, there is squash, a high-speed racket sport played on a four-walled court. 

Botswana welcomed home first-ever Olympic gold medallist Letsile Tebogo with thousands of ecstatic fans. Tebogo set an African record time of 19.46 seconds in the men’s 200m event in Paris. The nationwide celebration also includes a silver medal in the men’s 4x400m relay, bringing the country’s total Olympic medal tally to four. President Mokgweetsi Masisi joined in the celebration, granting a half-day holiday for the historic occasion, APA News reports.

Stake in HB Antwerp

Botswana is seeking to acquire a larger stake in HB Antwerp, a diamond manufacturer, at no extra cost. The government initially planned to buy 24% of HB, but now wants a 49.9% stake. Rapaport reports that the acquisition aims to enable independent price discovery for Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company, create jobs, and give the country ownership of diamond-cutting technology. HB Antwerp was founded in 2021 by individuals with 105 years of industry experience. The company has not commented on the negotiations.

First 100 MW solar photovoltaic power station project

Botswana signed a power purchase agreement with Sinotswana Green Energy to launch its first 100 MW solar photovoltaic power station project. The project is part of Botswana's plan to increase its renewable energy use to 50 percent by 2036 and is expected to start power generation by the end of 2025. According to Xinhua , the consortium behind the project includes Chinese and Botswana companies, with China Habor Engineering Company controlling the stake. The initiative is in line with Botswana's energy policy goal to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Airlink apologises for premature flight sales

Airlink has apologised to Botswana's Civil Aviation Authority for prematurely advertising flights between Cape Town and Gaborone. The airline was fined for advertising flights before they were authorised and has since withdrawn the flights from its reservation system. The CEO of Airlink acknowledged the oversight and stated that the process of including the route on their permit is still being finalized. According to CH-Aviation , the CAAB has instructed Airlink to cease ticket sales and advertising for the route.

Botswana as an athletic powerhouse

Botswana's emergence as an athletics powerhouse was highlighted at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where sprinter Letsile Tebogo won gold in the men's 200m. This success was the result of a strategic plan for athletics development, including talent identification, high-performance training, national support programmes, and investment in sports science and technology. Graphic Business reports that Tebogo's rise has inspired a new generation of athletes and reignited a passion for athletics in Botswana. The country is committed to hosting international sports events to continue its growth as an emerging power in athletics.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach praised the Games as “sport at its best” and playfully dubbed them “Seine-sational,” referencing the river featured in the opening ceremony.

The closing ceremony saw around 9,000 athletes celebrated by 270 performers in a tribute to the spirit of sport.

Léon Marchand, the French swimmer who won four gold medals, started the ceremony by collecting the Olympic flame from the Tuileries Gardens and bringing it to the Stade de France. French rugby star Antoine Dupont, who led France to a rugby sevens gold, carried the national flag into the stadium as athletes filled the field.

The ceremony also marked the start of the countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass received the Olympic flag, while Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance by abseiling into the stadium and then riding off on a motorbike.

A pre-filmed segment showed Cruise travelling from Paris to Los Angeles, skydiving into the city, and decorating the Hollywood sign with Olympic rings. The event concluded with performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish.

The Games, held over 17 days against Paris’s iconic landmarks, ended with the United States finishing at the top of the medal table, just ahead of China. The US women’s basketball team clinched the final gold medal with a 67-66 win over France, giving the USA a total of 126 medals compared to China’s 91.

Over 9,000 athletes from 206 delegations paraded into the Stade de France, creating a colourful and joyous atmosphere.

The ceremony included breathtaking fireworks, a parade of flagbearers, and memorable moments such as French swimmer Léon Marchand carrying the Olympic flame and Hollywood actor abseiling before over 71,500 spectators.

The night was a fitting end to a Summer Games that brought excitement and unity to the world. Enjoy these captivating images that capture the essence of the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.

For Saint Lucia, Julien Alfred won the country's first-ever medal by coming first in the women's 100m race and second in the women's 200m race.

Dominica did not miss out on this chance as Thea Lafond grabbed gold in the women's triple jump. The country's first-ever Olympic medal.

Despite his excellent record of 6.24m, Swedish vaulter, Armand Duplantis set a new record of 6.25m in the men's vault pole.

Arshad Nadeem, a Pakistani javelin thrower also made history by winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He set an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m. This achievement marks him as the first individual Olympic champion from Pakistan.

Aleksandra Miroslaw, on the other hand, broke two records on the same day and won the first women's speed climbing competition at the Olympics for Poland.

The 34th Summer Olympics began on July 24, with the opening ceremony held on the River Seine on July 26.

The closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics will be held at Stade de France on August 11, 2024. Titled 'Records,' it will feature over a hundred performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists.

"It's going to be very special. What I can tell you is that 1,000 more athletes than expected will be there. We've had a lot of discussions with all the delegations over the last few weeks and, in the end, the athletes wanted to stay a little longer and take part in the closing ceremony, which shows that they've really enjoyed these Olympics. We're delighted to be able to welcome them tomorrow evening and thank them because, frankly, they've made these Games great for us," Tony when asked by AFP about what to expect for the closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony to be held at Stade de France is set to celebrate not only the achievements of the athletes but also the rich cultural heritage of Paris.

Spectators can expect a blend of traditional and contemporary performances, showcasing the best of French art, music, and dance. T

Expected to kick off at 9 p.m. CEST, or 3 p.m. ET, on Sunday, Aug. 11, spectators will be thrilled with performances from Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers and H.E.R.

Viewers in the Central Daylight Time zone can watch the closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Those in the Mountain Daylight Time zone can tune in at 1 p.m., and it will start at noon for those in the Pacific Daylight Time zone.

In addition to the artistic performances, the ceremony will feature a parade of athletes, a symbolic handover to the next host city, and a spectacular fireworks display.

The victory adds to an impressive list of achievements that includes two Olympic golds (2016, 2021) and multiple World Championship medals - gold in 2017 and 2022, and silver in 2015 and 2019. 

Kipyegon’s exceptional performance this year also saw her break world records in the 1500m (3:49.11 in Florence), 5000m (14:05.20 in Paris), and the mile (4:07.64 in Monaco).

Jessica Hull of Australia finished in second place, while Great Britain’s Georgia Bell made the podium with a third place finish.

1920 Antwerp Summer Olympics

Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey could not compete or present athletes due to their involvement in World War I.

1924 Paris Summer Olympics

In 1924, during the Paris Olympics, Germans again could not participate due to the extension of the previous ban resulting from the aftermath of World War I.

1948 London Summer Olympics

Germany again could not compete in the 1948 Olympic games alongside Japan. The two nations were being penalized for the consequence of their roles in World War II and its aftermath.

1964-1992 Olympic Games

Generally, from 1964 through to 1992, South Africa was banned from all the Olympic games held within that period due to its apartheid regime and racial segregation policies, which sought to discriminate against black South Africans.

1972 Munich Summer Olympics

Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was banned due to international pressure and protests against the country’s racial segregation policies.

2000 Sydney Summer Olympics

Afghanistan banned and could not present athletes due to the ruling Taliban’s stance on women.

2016 Rio Summer Olympics

Kuwait was also suspended by the IOC due to government interference in the country’s Olympic committee during the Rio Olympics in 2016.

2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

North Korea was banned due to its decision to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, citing COVID-19 concerns, which violated the Olympic Charter.

2024 Paris Summer Olympics

Russia and Belarus were banned in January 2023 by the IOC due to Russia's war on Ukraine. The IOC declared “solidarity with Ukraine” and prohibited Russia and its ally Belarus from officially competing. However, individual athletes from these nations can participate on a restricted basis, with 15 Russian and 17 Belarusian athletes competing as neutral athletes.

Kim Yeji

The 31-year-old shooter from South Korea showcased absolute control and charisma in the 10-meter women’s air pistol event. A video of Yeji, captioned “The most ‘Main Character Energy’,” has gone viral, amassing over 37 million views on X and more than 338,000 likes. Yeji won a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol. Her sporting gear added to her “main character energy,” as she wore a black South Korea uniform zipped up to the neck, a backward baseball hat, and black wire-rimmed shooting glasses. “I am confident all the time. … I, Kim Yeji, am going to win gold no matter what,” she told reporters.

Yusuf Dikec

Turkey’s 51-year-old pistol shooter, Yusuf Dikec, captured public attention with his unique style and charisma. Dikec went viral after a picture of him surfaced on social media , showing him without the specialised goggles or ear protection common among Olympic shooting competitors. Instead, Dikec wore regular prescription glasses, a regular shirt, and earplugs, yet still managed to outperform much of the competition. “My shooting technique is one of the rare shooting techniques in the world. I shoot with both eyes open. Even the referees are surprised by this,” he said. Dikec, along with his partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, took second place in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, despite his minimal gear.

The games started in France's capital, Paris on July 26, and are expected to end on August 11, 2024.

The athletes' arrival at the Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower, was a highlight, where the official protocols were carried out, and the Olympic cauldron was lit.

Below are pictures from the ceremony that will help you relive the night!

In November 2023, Argentina's national handball team, also known as Los Gladiadores , won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Chile, securing their place at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Although the Olympic team roster will be announced later this year, Bono is already preparing.

Global South World spoke with him about how he is training to make this dream come true.

From a family passion to a European Premier League

Bono’s passion for handball has deep roots. His brothers, as well as his parents, all played handball.

"I’ve been playing handball since I was seven or eight years old," he told GSW.

It was at the age of 19 that Bono took his first big leap when he decided to move to Brazil to play for a year.

After some time in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to fly even further and moved to Spain, where after a year, he managed to play in the Premier League.

Currently, the Argentinian athlete is playing his first season in France with JS Cherbourg. Recently, Bono has signed for Istres Provence Handball for next season.

"I think being away from home has many pros and cons. The pro is that I couldn't live 100% from handball in Argentina, and here in Europe, I can. The con is that you miss your family and friends a lot," Bono said.

The lessons of handball

Despite the difficulties, the handball player believes that living away from home to pursue his dream has taught him many lessons.

"Handball has taught me to grow as a person and to value things that maybe I didn't value before."

Bono also stated that thanks to handball, he has learned to step out of his comfort zone and to be perseverant and disciplined.

"Handball has taught me to have responsibility both on and off the court. I believe that an athlete must be disciplined and have responsibility in daily life above all. Otherwise, it is very difficult to perform well in training and matches," he explained.

A promising handball player

Bono’s dreams are not limited to the Olympic Games. At 26 years old, he is a promising handball player in France. He explained that his nearest goal is to play in the French Premier League, which he describes as one of the best in the world.

Despite pursuing a career away from home, he insisted that playing for Los Gladiadores always fills him with excitement.

"Representing Argentina is the greatest thing for me. Every time the anthem is played, you get excited," he said.

And although his goal has always been to compete for his country in the Olympics, he admitted that he never imagined what is happening today.

"I think that playing in the Olympics would be the best thing that could happen in my career."

While he awaits the official list of players travelling to Paris, Bono is giving his all to secure a spot.

"Here in France, we are preparing rigorously for the entire season. And that helps me prepare for the Olympics. We have a very, very tough week of work. We go to the gym, train on the court, play a match on Fridays or Saturdays... So, I think it's something that comes naturally. I'm focusing on day-to-day preparation, and that helps me prepare in the best way," he explained.

We asked the Argentinian player who his most feared opponent would be if he joined  Los Gladiadores  in July.

"If I were to fear any team in the Olympics, I think it would be France or Germany. But if we want to achieve important things in Argentina, we shouldn't be afraid of anything and play every game as if we could win," he concluded.

The AFC Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations will kick off the year with two continental football tournaments, featuring some of the best teams and players from Asia and Africa. The Asian Cup will be hosted in Qatar from 12 January to 10 February, while the Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February. Both competitions will have 24 teams competing for the trophy, with the likes of Japan, Iran, Senegal and Algeria among the favourites.

The Formula One World Championship will rev up its engines for another thrilling season of motorsport, starting on 2 March in Bahrain and ending on 8 December in Abu Dhabi. The calendar will feature 24 races, including venues such as Miami and Shanghai.

The World Chess Championship 2024 will pit the best minds in the game against each other in a battle of strategy and skill. The match will take place from 3 April to 25 April, in Toronto, Canada. The defending champion Ding Liren of China will face the winner of the Candidates Tournament, which will be held in March 2024.

The Diamond League 2024 will showcase the finest athletes in track and field, as they compete for glory and prize money in a series of meetings around the world. The season will start in Xiamen, China on April 20 and end in Brussels, Belgium on September 13.

The Men’s Cricket World Cup will be the highlight of the cricketing year, as 20 teams will battle for the ultimate prize in international cricket. The tournament will be hosted by the United States and the West Indies from 4 June to 30 June. The Cricket World Cup will feature some of the best players in the world, such as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam and Ben Stokes.

The European Championship 2024 will be another major football event, as 24 teams will compete for the title of the best team in Europe. The tournament will be hosted by Germany from 14 June to 14 July, with matches being played in 10 cities.

The Copa America 2024 will be the oldest continental football tournament in the world, as Lionel Messi will lead World Cup winners and the current Copa champions Argentina in a title defence against 15 other teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) from June 20 to July 14 in the United States.

The Paris 2024 Olympics will be the biggest sporting event of the year, as thousands of athletes from various countries will feature in some of the most popular sports such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, football and basketball. The Games will take place from 24 July to 11 August, with venues spread across Paris and other regions of France. The Paralympics will follow the Olympics from 28 August to 8 September, with thousands of para-athletes competing in various events.

The Women’s Cricket World Cup will be the pinnacle of the women’s cricket season, as 10 teams will play for the title of the best team in the shortest format of the game. The tournament will be hosted in Bangladesh from September to October.

Other sporting events to look out for are the heavyweight boxing bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in February, the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Final in June and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in December.