Somali boxing champion Ramla Ali awarded medal of honour in Mogadishu for global triumph

Somali international boxing champion Ramla Said Ahmed Ali, better known as Ramla Ali, has been awarded a medal of honour by the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab.

The recognition was presented at a ceremony in the capital to honour Ramla's contribution to sports and her role in representing Somalia internationally.

Ramla, Somalia’s first Olympic boxer, was also recently awarded a medal by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for elevating the nation’s profile on the global stage.

President Hassan acknowledged her efforts in elevating the country’s reputation abroad and emphasised that her accomplishments reflected the determination and abilities of Somali women.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Hassan praised Ramla’s record and highlighted the significance of her example to Somali youth.

“She became an example to Somali youth who want to compete internationally and represent the country. We encourage the youth to follow in Ramla’s footsteps,” he said.

The mayor further assured that his administration would work to strengthen sports development in Mogadishu and expand Somalia’s participation in the Olympic movement.

Ramla, aged 35, made history as the first athlete to represent Somalia in boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. During the award ceremony, she expressed gratitude for the award and praised President Hassan’s leadership.

“I have witnessed positive change in the country,” she said, noting the progress made during the president’s second term in office.

Her return to Mogadishu was marked by a warm reception at Aden Adde International Airport, where federal officials, community elders, and a large crowd of supporters gathered, waving Somali flags to welcome her.

Since becoming a professional boxer in 2020, Ramla has recorded ten wins and two losses, building a career that has attracted international attention.

Ramla’s journey to the boxing ring has been shaped by the challenges of conflict and displacement. Born in Mogadishu on September 16, 1989, her family fled the country during the civil war after her 12-year-old brother was killed by a mortar attack.

They first moved to Kenya and later resettled in London, the United Kingdom (UK), where Ramla discovered boxing as a teenager and began training in secret, after her family initially disapproved of her involvement in the sport.

Despite these challenges, she pursued her passion and made steady progress in competitive boxing.

In 2015, she won England’s national novice title, which was followed by victory at the elite national championships in 2016. Her achievements extended beyond Europe when she claimed the African Zone featherweight title in 2019, establishing her reputation as a skilled athlete.

Ramla’s participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was a milestone for Somalia.

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• President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud
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Although she did not win a medal, her appearance on that stage was seen as a breakthrough for Somali athletes, especially for Somali women. Her career has since developed in the professional ranks, where she has continued to compete internationally.

Her accomplishments are regarded as a demonstration of how sports can serve as a platform for national pride, international recognition, and personal achievement.

Her story has resonated with Somalis in the diaspora and in Somalia. By bridging her identity as a Somali and her life in the UK, she has become a symbol of resilience and a figure who connects communities across borders.

For many young people, particularly women, her path has opened new possibilities and challenged traditional perceptions about the role of women in sport.