Khelif beat Suwannapheng by unanimous resolution eventually yr’s World Championships, earlier than being disqualified by the IBA.
Right here, the group chanted her identify as she entered the ring – and the Algerian appeared extra assured than she had at any level this week.
After the consequence was confirmed she dropped her guard and danced on the canvas, and a bout fought in good spirits ended with an embrace between the 2 fighters.
“I had heard concerning the information relating to her, however I wasn’t following it intently,” Suwannapheng mentioned.
“She is a lady, however she could be very robust. I attempted to make use of my pace, however my opponent was simply too robust.”
Khelif added: “I’m very completely happy. I’m completely happy for all of the assist right here in Paris.
“I need to thank all the individuals of Algeria who got here right here.”
Khelif’s Video games started with a win against Angela Carini last week – a struggle that lasted simply 46 seconds earlier than the Italian deserted saying she “needed to protect” her life.
That sparked widespread debate over the eligibility of Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who was additionally disqualified by the IBA final yr.
The IBA mentioned Khelif had “failed to satisfy the eligibility standards for collaborating within the ladies’s competitors, as set and laid out” in its laws, however the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) mentioned the pair had been “abruptly disqualified with none due course of”.
The IOC, which suspended the IBA in 2019 due to considerations over its funds, governance, ethics, refereeing and judging, has allowed the pair to compete and strongly backed them.
President Thomas Bach mentioned on Saturday there was “by no means any doubt” they’re ladies.
A chaotic news conference held by the IBA on Monday did little to reduce the confusion, with key IBA figures giving conflicting statements on why they had been banned.
The IOC mentioned rivals had been eligible for the ladies’s division if their passports mentioned they had been feminine.
It’ll now see Khelif, already assured bronze by reaching this semi-final, within the last of its greatest stage in three days’ time.
Lin fights in her semi-final within the 57kg class on Wednesday.
