Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presided over a ceremony in Algiers on Wednesday, honoring the nation’s athletes for their outstanding achievements in various international competitions. The event celebrated successes across multiple sports, including para-athletes, track and field stars, and the national football team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The ceremony, held at the People’s Palace, was attended by high-ranking government officials, members of the sporting community, and other dignitaries. The atmosphere was celebratory, reflecting the state’s deep appreciation for the dedication and hard work of its athletes. The event highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting and promoting sports at all levels.
Minister of Sports, Oualid Sadi, expressed his gratitude to President Tebboune for his initiative, praising his unwavering support for Algerian athletes. He emphasized that this recognition exemplifies the President’s continuous efforts to develop national sports by investing in modern sports facilities and promoting sports participation throughout the country. The minister conveyed that President Tebboune’s backing has made him the foremost supporter of every achievement, both domestically and internationally, solidifying the ministry’s dedication to fostering a strong sports culture in Algerian society. He specifically noted the impact of new facilities and increased investment in grassroots programs.
Honored athletes expressed their pride in receiving presidential recognition, viewing it as a powerful motivator for future challenges on both continental and global stages. Nabil Neghiz, assistant coach of the national football team, told the Algerian Press Agency that this honor provides significant moral support to the players and increases their responsibility to represent Algeria with distinction in international arenas. He added that preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are progressing diligently, aiming for a strong performance.
Ramy Bensebaini, a defender for the national team, echoed these sentiments, stating that the recognition was an honor for him and his teammates. He affirmed that it would serve as an additional incentive during their participation in AFCON and the 2026 World Cup. The Algerian football team’s World Cup qualification is a source of immense national pride, and the government is keen to support their journey.
Jamal Sedjati, who won a silver medal in the 800m race at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, expressed his gratitude to the President, noting that the recognition is the greatest incentive for athletes to continue achieving and making the Algerian people proud. Mehdi Osmani, Secretary-General of the Algerian Federation for People with Special Needs, stated that this presidential gesture will provide a strong boost to para-sports and motivate national teams to achieve better results in future competitions, particularly the African Goalball Championship scheduled for December in Egypt.
Paralympic champion Abdelkader Bouamer, a judo specialist, also praised President Tebboune’s initiative, emphasizing that this care for athletes has begun to yield positive results through improved performance and increased ambition to win more medals in the future. The focus on developing young talent and providing resources for athletes with disabilities is clearly paying off, with Algeria making significant strides in international sports. The Algerian government hopes that this recognition will inspire future generations of athletes to strive for excellence and represent their country with pride.
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