Martina Navratilova questions the USTA over the inclusion of transgenders into women’s sport amidst the latest controversy at the National Championships

Martina Navratilova calls out the USTA's inclusion policy as she continues to oppose the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports.

Martina Navratilova questions the USTA over the inclusion of transgenders into women’s sport amidst the latest controversy at the National Championships

Martina Navratilova not in favor of USTA's inclusion policy (Credits: US Open)

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova protested against USTA (United States Tennis Association) in response to their inclusion of transgender people in women’s sports. Martina Navratilova is a former World No.1 in women’s tennis and 16-time Grand Slam Champion. She is known as one of the most vocal tennis players who has time and again stood up for what she feels is right.

Navratilova, on 6th August, replied to a post made by Kim Shasby Jones on X, formerly known as Twitter. Jones, who is the founder of ICONS (Independent Council on Women’s Sport) wrote that “Women’s tennis is turning into a laughing stock because of these terrible policies prioritizing the mental health and identity of men over women who have discovered a love of tennis.”

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Navratilova came in support of her by saying,“Come on @USTA- women’s tennis is not for failed male athletes- whatever age,” Navratilova wrote on X. “This is not right and it is not fair. Would this be allowed at the US Open this month? Just with self ID? I don’t think so…”

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What is the actual inclusion policy of the USTA that Martina Navratilova talked about

Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova (Credits: OpIndia)

The inclusion policy of the USTA says that, “On the league and recreational side of the equation, the USTA takes the position that we do not require confirmations of gender identity status. Above all, we do not want to be an obstacle to recreational participation.”

The association has been thorough in its policy. They state that athletes who transition from male to female have to openly declare that their gender is now female. This decision cannot be reversed for at least four years.

However, the rule is going to cause quite a stir. Transgender inclusion in sports has always remained a grey area of debate as more often than not the common perception takes into account difference in physicality and hormones among men and women. Arguments are made that even if the person identifies as a female, his build is that of a male, and generally, the person will outperform females due to the biological truth.

By: Tanisha Kapoor

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