RAMLA ALI: SOMALIA’S FIRST OLYMPIC BOXER RETURNS HOME AFTER THREE DECADES TO HERO’S WELCOME.

Somalia’s first Olympic boxer, Ramla Ali, has made a historic return to home country after 30 years abroad.

Ramla was given a hero’s welcome by a large crowd of Somalis, including officials and fans, at the Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu, on Sunday morning.

A professional sportswoman, she became the first-ever athlete to represent Somalia in boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and the first Somali woman to step into the professional ranks of the sport.

Crowds waving Somali flags thronged the airport, their cheers mingling with ululations of pride, as Ramla, 33, returned to her birthplace.

For many, her arrival was not just the homecoming of a sports icon but the embrace of a national heroine who embodies resilience, courage, and possibility, coinciding with Somalia’s growing prominence in international sporting scenes.

“I left Somalia as a young girl fleeing war, and today I return as a champion for my people,” Ramla said, with her voice breaking with emotion.

“My victory is Somalia’s victory. I am so grateful for the love and welcome,” she said.

Khadija Makhzumi, Minister of Family Affairs and Human Rights, paid a tribute to Ramla in a speech.

‘Deep love’ for Somalia and Ramla

“As the Minister for Women’s Affairs and speaking on behalf of the women of Somalia, Ramla has represented us well. We want her to know that she spilled her blood for this country, and her blood is valuable and precious to us, fighting for Somalia,’’ Khadija Makhzum said.

In 2022, Somalia’s Ramla Ali defeated Dominican boxer Crystal Garcia Nova in the first professional women’s boxing match held in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Getty Images

‘‘She is a role model for Somali girls, and we hope many will emulate her. We want to see so many young girls join her in boxing. We all love her as deeply as she loves her country, and we hope to receive her again and again.”

Abdiaziz Osman Mohamed, Deputy Director of Social Affairs of the Banadir Regional Administration, echoed the sentiment, saying Ramla has ‘‘brought honour’’ to Somali women and to the Somali people.

‘‘Ramla, you are at home, here with your brotherly Somali people. You have proven that Somali women are strong and can bring victory. Citizens and leaders are proud to wave the Somali flag for you, the same way you have always raised it high. We are here to show you that you always have our support,’’ Mohamed said.

‘‘It is an honour and a special feeling to receive you at Aden Adde International Airport. You are a symbol for Somali women, and we shall create a boxing facility for them in your name,” he added.

Crowds welcomed Ramla Ali on her return to Somalia after three decades abroad. Photo: Others

Ramla’s path to glory was anything but easy. Born in Mogadishu, she fled the capital with her family as a child in the 1990s to escape the civil war.

Multi-talented

Growing up in London, she discovered boxing at a local gym, initially training in secret because she was pursuing the sport against her parents’ wishes.

Determined to break barriers, Ramla defied cultural expectations and racial obstacles to become the first Somali-British professional boxing champion.

Ramla initially represented England until 2018, when she switched to represent Somalia as a part of her determining to rewrite the sporting history of her home country.

Abdiaziz Osman Mohamed, Deputy Director of Social Affairs of the Banadir Regional Administration says Ramla has ‘‘brought honour’’ to Somalia. Photo: Others

She had previously won several titles, including the 2015 Novice National Championships in England, the 2016 England Boxing Elite National Championships, the 2016 Great British Championships, and the 2019 African Zone featherweight title.

Her rise has been marked by groundbreaking milestones. She made history as Somalia’s first Olympic boxer at the 2020 Olympics – held in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On August 20, 2022, she won the first-ever professional women’s boxing match held in Saudi Arabia, defeating Dominican opponent Crystal Garcia Nova with a stunning first-round knockout.

Ramla is also the author of Not Without a Fight: 10 Steps to Becoming Your Own Champion, in which she shares lessons of struggle, perseverance, and triumph.

Beyond the ring, she is a UNICEF global brand ambassador and a passionate advocate for human rights and equality, using her platform to inspire change worldwide.