Widad Bertal of Morocco won the women’s bantamweight world title, defeating Hatice Bektas at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships. RS Berkane made history by winning their first-ever league title. Additionally, the Palestinian Football Association revealed their squad for World Cup qualifiers through a touching video reflecting life in Gaza.
Widad Bertal, a rising star from Morocco, has secured the title of world champion in the women’s bantamweight category at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships in Serbia. Her victory came after a significant win over Turkish boxer Hatice Bektas, marking a critical milestone for Moroccan boxing on the international stage. Previously, Bertal distinguished herself by winning gold medals at both African Championships in 2023 and 2024, establishing herself as a formidable competitor in the ring.
Adding to Morocco’s accolades in boxing, Hasnae Larti claimed a bronze medal in the 75-81 kg category at the same championships, showcasing the nation’s burgeoning strength in women’s boxing. The success of Bertal and Larti has been met with commendation from sports officials and fans, recognizing their roles as inspirations to aspiring athletes in Morocco. King Mohammed VI congratulated Bertal, expressing national pride in her victory and wishing her future successes.
In a poignant display, the Palestinian Football Association recently revealed their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers through a heartfelt video. The clip underscores life in the war-devastated Gaza Strip and reflects the enduring passion of Palestinians for football. Starting with a young boy in a football shirt, the video captures life amidst destruction, showing scenes of resilience and hope as children play football and meet up to reveal portraits of team players amongst the ruins.
The squad, which includes players such as Oday Dabbagh and Yaser Hamed, will face Jordan away in their first qualifier on Thursday, followed by a match against Iraq later this month. The video culminates with children playing in the historic Yarmouk Stadium, a site now transformed from a sports venue to a refuge amid conflict.
In a historic achievement for Moroccan football, RS Berkane clinched their first league title, known as Botola, following a 1-1 draw against Union de Touarga. With only one loss this season and a record of 18 wins, the team has comfortably topped the league table with 60 points. Under the guidance of coach Mouine Chaabani, who revitalized the club since joining last year, the team has progressed remarkably, earning a spot in the CAF African Champions League. Celebrations erupted across Berkane, reaffirming the community’s pride in their team’s success.
This report highlights significant achievements in MENA sports, particularly focusing on Moroccan boxing and football. Widad Bertal’s world championship triumph reflects Morocco’s rising prominence in boxing, while RS Berkane’s league title underscores a significant milestone in Moroccan football history. Additionally, the unveiling of the Palestinian squad through an emotional video emphasizes the resilience and passion for football in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. Together, these events illustrate the evolving landscape of sports in the MENA region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
