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Somali boxing star Ramla Said Ahmed Ali, better known as Ramla Ali, has been honored with the Medal of Honor by the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab. The award recognizes her remarkable achievements in international boxing and her role in raising Somalia’s profile on the global stage. Ali, Somalia’s first Olympic boxer, was also recently decorated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who praised her for proving the strength, talent, and resilience of Somali women.
During the ceremony, Mayor Muungaab described Ali as a role model for Somali youth, especially young women who dream of competing internationally. He encouraged young people to follow her example and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding sports opportunities across Somalia, with a particular focus on Olympic participation. The recognition marks a historic moment for Somalia, where sporting success stories are still rare due to decades of conflict and instability.
Ali, who is now 35 years old, competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, making history as Somalia’s first-ever Olympic boxer. Speaking at the event, she expressed gratitude for the award and commended the progress made in the country during President Mohamud’s leadership. “I have witnessed positive change in the country,” she said, adding that the recognition belongs not just to her but to all Somalis who have supported her journey.
Her homecoming to Mogadishu was celebrated in grand fashion. On Sunday, she was welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by federal officials, community leaders, and crowds of fans waving Somali flags. The warm reception highlighted the pride Somalis feel in her achievements and the unifying power of sport. Since turning professional in 2020, Ali has built an impressive record of 10 wins and two losses, solidifying her status as a respected athlete in the global boxing arena.
Ramla Ali’s journey is as inspiring as her victories. She was born in Mogadishu on September 16, 1989, but her childhood was cut short by the civil war. After her 12-year-old brother was killed by a mortar attack, her family fled Somalia, moving first to Kenya before resettling in London. There, Ali discovered boxing as a teenager. At first, she trained in secret because of cultural and family concerns, but her determination carried her forward. She soon began winning titles, including England’s national novice championship in 2015 and the elite national championships in 2016. In 2019, she claimed the African Zone featherweight title, cementing her reputation as a fierce competitor.
Her rise has turned her into a global figure and a source of inspiration for millions. Beyond her victories in the ring, Ali represents hope, resilience, and the breaking of barriers. For Somali girls and women especially, she is proof that talent and determination can overcome cultural and social limitations. She has also become a bridge between Somalia and her adopted home in the United Kingdom, embodying the strength of the Somali diaspora and its contributions to both nations.
Ramla Ali’s recognition at home is more than just a personal victory—it symbolizes Somalia’s potential to shine internationally despite years of hardship. Her success is a reminder that sports can play a vital role in healing, inspiring, and uniting a nation. As she continues her career, Ali stands not only as a champion in the ring but also as a symbol of what Somali resilience and talent can achieve on the world stage.