MENA Sports Wrap: Widad Bertal Crowned World Boxing Champion and More

Widad Bertal of Morocco has won the women’s world boxing championship in Serbia, further establishing her as a prominent figure in the sport following previous victories. Concurrently, RS Berkane has made history by claiming their first league title in Moroccan football. The Palestinian team is also preparing for World Cup qualifiers, with a video highlighting life in Gaza amid ongoing conflicts.

In a significant achievement for Moroccan sports, Widad Bertal has been crowned the women’s world boxing champion at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships held in Serbia. Competing in the bantamweight category (52-54 kg), Ms. Bertal triumphed over Turkish boxer Hatice Bektas, thus solidifying her status as an emerging star in the boxing arena. This victory follows her earlier successes at the African Championships, where she secured gold medals in 2023 and 2024.

Morocco’s success at the championships continued with fellow boxer Hasnae Larti, who earned a bronze medal in the 75-81 kg category, underlining the nation’s growing prestige in women’s boxing. Both athletes have become an inspiration to future contenders, drawing commendation from sports officials and the public alike for their accomplishments. In acknowledgment of Bertal’s exceptional performance, King Mohammed VI extended his congratulations, expressing pride in her dedication to elevating Morocco’s presence in international sports.

In a poignant display of resilience, the Palestinian Football Association has released a video that reveals their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This touching clip highlights the impact of war on daily life in Gaza while showcasing the players’ enduring passion for football. The video features children playing on the seashore and taking portraits of player Musab al-Battat, reflecting the dire realities faced by the community yet emphasizing their love for the sport.

The Palestinian team is set to face Jordan in an away match during the third round of qualifiers, followed by a game against Iraq in Amman. Notable players selected for the squad include forward Oday Dabbagh and midfielder Mahmoud Abu Warda, amongst others.

Additionally, Moroccan football club RS Berkane made history by winning their first-ever league title, the Botola, after a season of remarkable performance. The team has experienced an almost undefeated season, concluding with a draw against Union de Touarga that secured their championship. Under the guidance of Coach Mouine Chaabani, they advanced from a sixth-place finish two seasons ago to becoming league champions, also securing a position in the CAF African Champions League.

Celebrations erupted in Berkane once the league title was confirmed, with both the Moroccan Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football commending their achievement. This victory marks a proud moment in Moroccan football history, with widespread recognition across the nation.

The recent performances by Moroccan athletes in boxing and football demonstrate the country’s growing prominence in international sports. Widad Bertal’s world boxing title acclaim highlights individual excellence, while RS Berkane’s league championship victory showcases team triumph in football. Concurrently, the Palestinian football squad’s poignant reveal underscores their resilience amid adversity. Collectively, these events foster national pride and inspire future generations of athletes.

Original Source: www.newarab.com

About Maya Chowdhury

Maya Chowdhury is an established journalist and author renowned for her feature stories that highlight human interest topics. A graduate of New York University, she has worked with numerous publications, from lifestyle magazines to serious news organizations. Maya's empathetic approach to journalism has allowed her to connect deeply with her subjects, portraying their experiences with authenticity and depth, which resonates with a wide audience.

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