Hanoi — As Vietnam finalizes its lineup for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December, some of its athletes are facing an unusual hurdle before stepping onto the track: gender verification tests.
The Viet Nam Athletics Federation confirmed that select members of the national squad will undergo SRY gene testing, a procedure used to determine biological sex through the detection of Y chromosome markers. The move is aimed at ensuring compliance with competition rules for women’s events before the official roster is submitted in early September.
At least two female athletes have already been scheduled for testing, with results expected in the coming weeks. Samples are collected via blood or oral swab and analyzed to confirm eligibility. Officials say the procedure, though controversial, is necessary to prevent disputes or legal challenges during the Games.
“The SRY gene test provides a clear and reliable basis for eligibility. It is not an overly costly process, but it ensures that Vietnam avoids unnecessary complications regarding gender categories at the SEA Games,” said Nguyen Duc Nguyen, head of the Athletics Department at the Sports Authority of Viet Nam.
The requirement reflects a broader global shift toward stricter regulation of gender in elite sport. In July, World Athletics declared that SRY gene testing will become mandatory for all female competitors at international meets, beginning with the World Championships in Tokyo later this month. Several Vietnamese athletes slated for that tournament have already been tested, easing the transition.
Still, the issue remains a contentious one worldwide. Advocates argue that standardized testing upholds fairness in women’s competitions, while critics warn that such measures risk invading athletes’ privacy and perpetuating stigma against women with naturally varied biology.
For Vietnam’s athletes, however, the matter is less about debate and more about timing. With testing scheduled throughout August, the results will arrive just in time to finalize the national squad. And for those who clear this added barrier, the focus will shift back to where they want it most — the competition itself.