King Mohammed VI congratulated boxer Widad Bertal on winning the 52-54 kg title at the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships in Serbia. Bertal, 25, defeated Turkey’s Hatice Akbas in the final, and expressed gratitude to the King and her supporters. In addition, teammate Hasna Larti secured a bronze medal, and Oumaima Smlali was named Best Referee and Judge. This event represents a milestone for Moroccan women’s boxing and future aspirations.
In a significant show of recognition, King Mohammed VI congratulated Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal on her remarkable victory at the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships in Nis, Serbia, where she secured the title in the 52-54 kg category. The King acknowledged that her success reflects her determination and aspiration to elevate Morocco’s presence on the global stage, expressing joy and pride in her achievements while wishing her continued success in her sporting endeavors.
The triumph came after Bertal, aged 25, defeated the distinguished Turkish boxer Hatice Akbas, who previously held the 2022 world champion title and is a 2024 Olympic silver medalist, with a final score of 5-2. Prior to the final, Bertal advanced after a narrow semifinal victory over Serbia’s Sara Cirkovic, winning 4-3, further showcasing her skill and resilience.
Upon her victory, Bertal remarked, “This gold medal is for the first sportsman, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan people, and everyone who supported me,” highlighting the significance of her achievement for her nation. She also expressed aspirations for her career, stating, “This is just the beginning of my career and I will be realizing more dreams.”
Speaking at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport following her return, Bertal indicated that her world title win would fuel her ambitions toward competing successfully at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her journey to this championship has been marked by prior accomplishments, including three consecutive titles at the African Championships from 2022 to 2024, as well as a bronze medal at the 2022 African Amateur Boxing Championships in Maputo.
Bertal’s victory marks her as the second Moroccan woman ever to achieve this gold medal, following Khadija El Mardi’s win in New Delhi in 2023. Additionally, teammate Hasna Larti claimed a bronze medal in the 75-81 kg category, showcasing further success for the Moroccan team at the event.
Nabil Hilmi, the Vice President of the Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation, commended the efforts of both Bertal and Larti while also recognizing the challenges faced throughout the competition. He expressed optimism for ongoing success in boxing across both genders, stating, “Winning these medals was not easy, even though our goal was to achieve more.”
The championships, taking place from March 8-16, not only celebrated athletic success but also highlighted the achievements of Oumaima Smlali, who was honored as the Best Referee and Judge of the tournament. This event signifies a pivotal moment for women’s boxing in Morocco, building on recent international accolades and symbolizing a promising trajectory for the sport in the country.
In conclusion, King Mohammed VI’s congratulations to Widad Bertal reflect the significance of her victory at the World Boxing Championships for Morocco. Bertal’s determination and achievements continue to inspire, as she aims for future success, including the upcoming Olympics. Her historic win, alongside the commendable performances of her teammates, underlines the growing prominence of women’s boxing in Morocco. The collective achievements at the championships reassure a bright outlook for the sport in the nation.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
