Her coach told reporters afterwards: “I don’t know if her nose is broken. I have to speak with the girl.
“But many people in Italy tried to call and tell her: ‘Don’t go please: it’s a man, it’s dangerous for you.”
Algeria’s Olympic Committee has called the criticism of Khelif “baseless”, and the boxer was welcomed the ring by cheers from Algerian fans.
“Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics,” Algeria’s committee said.
