"Not attacking, just facts" - Martina Navratilova doubles down on criticism of controversial women's sports athletes Imane Khelif, Barbra Banda
Martina Navratilova stirred controversy with her comments about Barbra Banda and Imane Khelif's participation in women's sports in the past months. The American tennis legend recently doubled down on the criticism and called both players "biological males."
A conversation began on X with one account praising J.K. Rowling for her significant contributions to women's rights, suggesting she deserved a bronze statue. Another account, however, expressed disappointment, stating they wished Rowling could advocate for women without allegedly attacking transgender individuals.
Navratilova entered the discussion, countering the latter's claims by asserting that Rowling was not attacking transgender people but rather standing up for women's sex-based rights. The former World No. 1 wrote:
"Protecting women’s sex based spaces should be a no brainer yet here we are- putting male bodies(no matter the surgeries and hormones etc) and their feelings over those of women…."
Another account then questioned Navratilova’s stance, asking if this was why she was "attacking" athletes like Imane Khelif and Barbra Banda—two athletes Navratilova has previously criticized alongside Rowling for competing in women’s sports. Navratilova doubled down on her criticism and wrote:
"They are both biological males with DSD, with XY chromosomes… not attacking, just pointing out facts."
Khelif, an Algerian boxer, sparked controversy at the Paris Olympics this year after winning gold in the 66kg women’s category. Allegations about her failing gender tests earlier reignited debates around her eligibility to compete. While there is no concrete proof of her failing those tests, both Martina Navratilova and J.K. Rowling opposed her participation.
Similarly, Banda, a Zambian footballer and recipient of the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, faced similar allegations. Though there is no verified evidence of Banda failing prior gender tests, the controversy surrounding her participation mirrored Khelif’s case. Navratilova, once again, described her as a "biological male," fueling ongoing debates about fairness in women’s sports.
"Should not be competing on the women’s teams" - Martina Navratilova's reaction to Barbra Banda winning BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
Barbra Banda bagged the 2024 BBC Women's Footballer of the Year after a phenomenal season playing for Orlando Pride. However, soon after earning the accolade, she was under fire for failing alleged gender eligibility tests.
Former Arsenal women's player Lianne Sanderson showed her support for Banda but her message of support on X faced backlash. Addressing the criticism, she wrote:
"We know this place is toxic and nothing surprises me on here but honestly the disgusting transphobia I am seeing since my tweet yesterday supporting Barbra Banda. Has even left me speechless. The anger and rage that some have is really on another level. Some people really are awful……"
Martina Navratilova responded to the post by stating:
"Banda is not trans- Banda is an XY biological male with DSD. Should not be competing on the women’s teams and for sure should not be getting awards that belong to females."
Banda had received messages of support from USWNT manager Emma Hayes and World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe among others. However, several others including Navratilova criticized the award.