The Algerian boxer at the centre of a gender row at the Paris Olympic games has been crowned Olympic champion.

Imane Khelif comfortably beat China’s Yang Liu to win gold in the women’s welterweight final.

He carried the 25-year-old round the arena on his shoulders in celebration.

Khelif had been under intense scrutiny after a previous fighter, Angela Carini quit after 46 seconds, saying it was to protect her health as the Algerian’s punches were so strong.

Khelif had said winning gold would be the “best response” to her critics.

Some argued she should not have been allowed to compete due to concerns she might have elevated testosterone that can lead to extra strength and muscle.

Khelif and a Taiwanese boxer were banned from the world championships last year, with the International Boxing Association (IBA) saying they failed gender eligibility tests

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the decision was “sudden and arbitrary” and the tests majorly flawed.

It has banned the IBA over governance issues, alleged corruption and ties to Russia.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said all the boxers in Paris met eligibility criteria – with gender and age “based on their passport”.

He said Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting had been competing in women’s competition for many years and the Algerian also appeared at the Tokyo games.