Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has bestowed the certificate of honour on the country’s boxing icon, Ramla Ali, at the presidential palace.
The award is a recognition to Ramla’s achievements in the boxing world, her contribution to Somali sports and her role in raising the country’s profile internationally.
President Mohamud praised Ramla as a national symbol of hope, unity and pride.
Ramla returned last week to Somalia for the first time in 30 years after building a successful boxing career abroad. She is Somalia’s first Olympic boxer after participating at the Tokyo 2022 Olympics.
In remarks at the Saturday event, Ramla thanked the Somali people, the government, and her fans for the warm welcome.
‘One of the proudest moments’
She also encouraged Somali youth to believe in themselves and follow their dreams regardless of the challenges.
“This is one of the proudest moments of my life,” Ramla said. “I want every young Somali, especially girls, to know they can achieve great things.”
Despite being a global figure in sports, fashion and activism, she says her heart has always been Somali.
Those present at the event were the Sports Minister Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali and his deputy Dahabo Mohamed. Ramla was accompanied by her husband, Richard Moore.
On Friday, thousands of fans gathered at Engineer Yariisow Stadium in the capital, Mogadishu, for a football match to welcome Ramla home.
The friendly match between the Somali Under-17 and Under-20 women’s national teams was meant to encourage young girls to take part in sports.
‘Leader of next generation’
“Ramla Ali shows what is possible,” said Ali Abdi Mohamed, president of the Somali Football Federation. “She has broken barriers and lifted Somalia’s name high. She’s not just a boxer, she’s a leader for the next generation.”
Ramla began her boxing career after fleeing the Somali civil war as a child and growing up in the United Kingdom.
Sports Minister Ali said Ramla was a strong example for Somali youth, especially young women. He said her success shows how Somali youth can help shape the future of the country.
He said the government will continue to support Somali athletes who represent the nation.
