In a prestigious royal ceremony at the Royal Palace in Tetouan, His Majesty King Mohammed VI today received Moroccan Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, awarding him the Order of the Throne with the rank of Commander in recognition of his exceptional athletic achievements.
This royal honor comes following a series of impressive victories by El Bakkali, recently crowned by his gold medal win in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This accomplishment adds to his impressive record, which includes the gold medal in the same event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
During the reception, His Majesty the King praised El Bakkali’s extraordinary performance and high sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of these achievements in enhancing Morocco’s standing on the international sports stage.
For his part, Soufiane El Bakkali expressed his deep gratitude for this royal recognition, affirming that this decoration is a great source of pride for him and a strong motivation to continue representing Morocco in the best possible way at global sporting events.
It’s worth noting that the Order of the Throne with the rank of Commander is one of the highest decorations in the Kingdom of Morocco, awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their fields. Bestowing this order on El Bakkali reflects the great appreciation that the Moroccan leadership holds for sporting achievements and their importance in raising Morocco’s profile globally.
The honoring ceremony was attended by several high-ranking government officials and representatives of the sports sector, in a scene that confirms the official and popular support for Moroccan athletes.
This royal recognition is expected to serve as an additional incentive for Moroccan athletes to achieve more successes, especially with the approach of upcoming international sporting events.
The ceremony highlights Morocco’s commitment to celebrating its sports heroes and encouraging excellence in athletics on the world stage. El Bakkali’s consecutive Olympic gold medals have not only brought glory to Morocco but have also inspired a new generation of athletes in the country and across the region.