SAI advises Chand to take hyperandrogenism case to CAS

In July 2014, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) confirmed that Indian sprinter, Dutee Chand, was ineligible to compete in the Commonwealth Games due to hyperandrogenism, as determined by the blood tests conducted by the SAI on the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI's)^¹ request.²

The SAI noted that they were following the IOC’s and the IAAF’s hyperandrogenism guidelines when testing Chand’s androgen levels.³

As of August 22, the SAI is arguing that because high androgen levels are a “biological factor” beyond the athlete’s control, hyperandrogenism should not be used to determine whether a female athlete can compete.⁴

The SAI is now advising Chand to argue her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)^5,aiming to change the IOC’s and IAAF’s guidelines on hyperandrogenism.

Section 8 Part J of the IOC Regulations on Female Hyperandrogenism states:

“If, in the opinion of the Expert Panel, the investigated athlete has female hyperandrogenism that confers a competitive advantage (because it is functional and the androgen level is in the male range), the investigated athlete may be declared ineligible to compete in the 2014 OG Competitions by the IOC Executive Board, based upon the opinion of the Expert Panel and the recommendation of the Chairman.”⁶

Similarly, Chapter 6.4 of the IAAF hyperandrogenism regulations states:

“Following its final review of the athlete’s case, the Expert Medical Panel shall be asked to make a recommendation as regards the athlete’s eligibility to compete in women’s competition based on her reported androgen levels⁷ and taking into consideration any androgen resistance that she might have.”^⁸

If Chand decito proceed, the sports minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, will need to approve the matter before it is moved to CAS.^⁹

The SAI and Orissa Government are supporting Chand, and the AFI has also stated that they will argue Chand’s case to the IAAF if she decides to proceed.^¹⁰

The SAI has also said it will support Chand in her request to the AFI to reconsider her competition ban from July 2014. Chand has yet to receive a formal decision from the AFI, which stated that she is not permitted to compete in the women’s category because of hyperandrogenism. Chand intends appeal the AFI’s decision after she receives it.^¹¹

The SAI has given Chand the option to lower her androgen levels through surgery. In the mean time, the SAI will allow Chand to train at NIS Patiala as a Centre of Excellence^¹² trainee, while bearing all of Chand’s cost for training.

Chand has yet to release a formal statement on whether she will pursue a case against IOC’s and IAAF’s hyperandrogenism regulations, or whether she will opt for surgery to lower her androgen levels.