The Fair Play Conundrum: Balancing Equity and Inclusivity

Sports was a two-gendered event for centuries. The last century witnessed the entry and success of women not just in sports but in other areas like arts, science, and politics. But despite the advancement and success of women who were traditionally a marginalized group, the social ostracisation of LGBTQIA+ people still persists in the field of sports.Even though the sexual identity of the participant has an important influence on the fitness, physical capability, and performance of the athlete, the World Athletics Council has adopted regulations discriminating against athletes based on unscientific criteria. The current regulations of the World Athletics Council targeting intersex and transgender athletes have been facing immense criticism due to their inherent disproportionality and unfairness, and because of these regulations, athletes belonging to these categories face huge challenges with regard to their participation rights in sports. Several countries have already passed national legislation in tune with the regulations, forcing an end to many professional careers. Theseare valid concerns put forward by competent athletes deprived of their right to contest, and the global athletic regime has yet to address these apprehensions.The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, has certain provisions for ensuring the sporting rights of transgender people. But proper enforcement of it is a policy matter.