Tuesday September 23, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali international boxing champion Ramla
Said Ahmed Ali, known as Ramla Ali, has been awarded the Medal of Honor by the
Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein
Muungaab, in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements on the global
stage.
Ali, Somalia’s first Olympic boxer, was also recently
decorated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for elevating the country’s name
in international arenas and for demonstrating the resilience and talent of
Somali women.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Muungaab praised Ali’s
accomplishments, calling her an inspiration to Somali youth, particularly young
women.
“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. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to
strengthening sports programs and expanding Somalia’s participation in the
Olympic movement.
Ali, 35, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,
expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended the president for
progress made during his second term. “I have witnessed positive change in the
country,” she said.
On Sunday, Ali received a hero’s welcome at Mogadishu’s Aden
Adde International Airport. Federal officials, community leaders, and fans
carrying Somali flags gathered to celebrate her arrival. Ali turned
professional in 2020 and has since built a record of 10 wins and two losses.
Her journey to the ring is as striking as her victories.
Born in Mogadishu on Sept. 16, 1989, Ali fled the civil war with her family
after her 12-year-old brother was killed by a mortar. The family moved through
Kenya before resettling in London, where Ali discovered boxing as a teenager.
Initially training in secret, she captured England’s national novice title in
2015, the elite national championships in 2016, and the African Zone
featherweight title in 2019.
Ali’s rise has made her a symbol of hope for Somalis
worldwide, bridging her country of birth and her adopted home while breaking
barriers for women in sport.