The Senegalese head of state decorated Omar Kane, MMA champion, and Mouhamed Tafsir Ba, kickboxing champion, celebrating their global exploits which mark a turning point in the history of combat sports in Senegal.
The Senegalese President on Tuesday decorated Omar Kane, MMA world champion, and Mouhamed Tafsir Ba, world kickboxing champion, with the National Order of Merit, rewarding their historic performances in 2024.
Omar Kane, known as Reug Reug, became the first Senegalese world heavyweight champion of the ONE Championship on November 9 in Bangkok, dethroning the previously undefeated Russian Anatoly Malykhin. A traditional wrestler, he made history by becoming the first African to win this prestigious category.
Mouhamed Tafsir Ba won the world title in kickboxing in the 91 kg category during the world championships in Uzbekistan on September 28, where Senegal also distinguished itself with the silver medal of Ndeye Khady Diallo (60 kg).
« Their exemplary career deserves this distinction. Through them, it is all combat sports that I wanted to honor “, declared the Head of State during the ceremony, reaffirming the State's support for athletes.
The president had already praised Reug Reug's feat on social networks, stressing that he “ honors Senegal and inspires an entire generation ».
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