Morocco Celebrates Star Athletes for Outstanding Achievements in 2023

Tuesday 09 January 2024 - 09:50

Rabat - The National Company of Radio and Television (SNRT) hosted a celebratory event today to honor Morocco's top athletes who achieved national and worldwide recognition across various sports in 2023.

The glitzy ceremony, held annually in the capital city, saw boxer Khadija Mardi crowned with the award for the best athlete of the year, following her remarkable gold medal victories at both the World Boxing Championships and African Boxing Championships. Distance runner Soufiane El Bakkali also secured the prestigious title after clinching another gold medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships.

Morocco's champions earned their accolades through a referendum conducted by SNRT's sports department, where their superior performances were acknowledged by the public.

The star-studded event additionally highlighted runners-up Abdelali Jina, who won gold medals in martial arts at global and continental tournaments, and Fatima Zahra Abou Fares, securing her top spot on the podium at the World Martial Arts Championship.

Completing the roster of top athletes were bronze medalist Matthias Sodi for slalom canoeing at the Worlds and African judo gold winner Soumiya Iraoui.

Beyond individual awards, SNRT presented excellence awards to several Moroccan football players and coaches for their noteworthy achievements last year. Recipients included U-23 head coach Issame Charai, U-17 boss Said Chiba, futsal leader Hicham Dguig, and senior men's team manager Walid Regragui, following Morocco's historic World Cup run.

Women's national team captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Wydad left-winger Yahia Attiyat Allah also received special honors at the lively ceremony.