Bangladesh Athletics Federation bans two athletes after medical findings

The Bangladesh Athletics Federation has issued a lifetime ban against two athletes, Jannat Begum and Kobita Roy, following medical findings that identified them as male. The decision follows an investigation by a five-member medical board from Bangladesh Medical University.

Medical examinations revealed that both athletes possess 46, XY chromosomes and exhibit physical characteristics, including penoscrotal hypospadias and inguinal canal gonads, that classify them as male under medical science. Additionally, testosterone levels in both athletes significantly exceeded the limits set by World Athletics. Jannat Begum’s level was recorded at 19.66 nmol/L, while Kobita Roy’s was 16.50 nmol/L, both far surpassing the 2.5 nmol/L threshold.

As a result of these findings, the Federation has canceled all medals previously won by the two athletes. Jannat Begum, an Army athlete, had earned nine medals, including several golds, while Kobita Roy, a Navy athlete, had earned approximately four. The Federation stated that the medals will be redistributed among other competitors in accordance with official regulations.