Women World C'ship: Somalia boxer who fought against all odds

New Delhi [India], Nov 12 (ANI): Boxer Ramla Ali is the sole representative of Somalia in the upcoming International Boxing Association (AIBA) Women's World Championship, starting November 15.
Her journey, as she said, "has been a lot longer than anyone else in Somalia."
Born during the time of civil war in the country, Ali had fled to England along with her family following the death of her elder brother in a grenade attack.
"My journey started off in Somalia. I was born when the civil war in the country was at highest. My mother decided to flee with the whole family because my oldest brother had died in a grenade attack. From Somalia, we went to Kenya. Then it was like a ten-day boat trip. My mom spent many months saving money to bring us to England. Now I am here," Ali told ANI.
Being a Muslim, it was not easy for the boxer to make a career in the ring. Her own family was not supportive in the matter.
"When I got into boxing, I knew that my family would not support it purely because I am a Muslim. So I hid it from them for many years. I just knew they wouldn't understand my passion for being in the ring," she said.
From a 12-year child who was bullied in the school for being overweight, to being a national title holder in boxing, Ali admits that the achievement has been "amazing."
"It is an amazing achievement to be here," she would say.
When asked about five-time world champion Mary Kom's chances of victory in this edition, the Somalia boxer said, "She is going to win again. No doubt about it. She is amazing."
The boxing championship is slated to be held from November 15 to 24 in New Delhi. (ANI)