King Mohammed VI has congratulated Widad Bertal on winning the world title in the 52-54 kg category at the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships. Bertal defeated notable opponents to secure her victory and aims for future success at the 2028 Olympics. The championships showcased the emergence of Moroccan women’s boxing, with notable achievements by her teammates as well.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Widad Bertal for securing the world title in the 52-54 kg category during the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships held in Nis, Serbia. In his message, the King highlighted Bertal’s perseverance and ambition, noting that her triumph elevated Morocco’s standing on international platforms. He expressed pride in her achievement and wished her ongoing success in future competitions.
At just 25 years of age, Bertal triumphed over Turkey’s Hatice Akbas, the reigning 2022 world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medalist, winning the championship match with a score of 5-2. Before reaching the finals, she narrowly defeated Serbia’s Sara Cirkovic in a hard-fought semifinal, concluding with a score of 4-3.
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,” signaling her commitment to further success. She expressed her aspirations for the future, stating, “This is just the beginning of my career and I will be realizing more dreams.”
Upon returning to Morocco, she emphasized her victory as a motivating factor for her goals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Bertal’s formidable path includes three consecutive titles at the African Championships from 2022 to 2024, along with a bronze medal at the 2022 African Amateur Boxing Championships in Maputo.
Bertal stands as the second Moroccan woman to claim gold at the World Boxing Championships, following Khadija El Mardi’s achievement in New Delhi in 2023. The championships were also fruitful for her teammate Hasna Larti, who secured a bronze medal in the 75-81 kg category after overcoming Bulgaria’s Victoriya Kebikava.
Nabil Hilmi, Vice President of the Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation, commended the efforts of both Bertal and Larti, acknowledging the challenges they encountered during the tournament. He expressed hope for continued success in boxing disciplines for both men and women.
The championships, spanning from March 8 to 16, have marked a significant moment for Moroccan women’s boxing, reinforcing the nation’s recent accomplishments and showcasing the potential for the sport’s future in Morocco.
In summary, Widad Bertal’s gold medal victory at the 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships symbolizes her extraordinary dedication and ambition, uplifting Morocco on the international stage. Her achievements, alongside those of her teammates, underscore the resilience and promise of Moroccan women’s boxing. With aspirations set towards future competitions, particularly the 2028 Olympics, Bertal’s journey is poised to inspire many and propel the sport further in Morocco.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
