President Samia Suluhu Hassan has awarded professional boxer Halima Vunjabei TZS 5 million under the “Mama Samia Knockout” initiative in a groundbreaking moment for Tanzanian sports.
The incentive program, designed to motivate and reward outstanding athletes, mirrors the highly celebrated “Mama Goal” initiative introduced in soccer.
Vunjabei's triumph came after a stunning third-round knockout victory against Turkish opponent Songuel Ayten in a World Boxing Federation (WBF) title bout held in Germany.
Her powerful performance secured the championship belt and etched her name in Tanzanian boxing history.
During today's ceremony, Vunjabei presented the WBF belt to Gerson Msigwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Sports.
As she received the TZS 5 million prize, she dedicated the victory to President Samia, offering the championship belt as a personal gift.
Last weekend’s victory marked a historic milestone: Vunjabei became the first Tanzanian female boxer to win an international championship belt on foreign soil.
This achievement underscores her rise in the professional boxing ranks and the growing prominence of Tanzanian athletes on the global stage.
Speaking at the event, Msigwa praised Vunjabei’s performance and urged her to continue striving for greater success.
“Halima’s victory is a proud moment for Tanzania. She has represented our nation with honor by winning the WBF international title in Germany. We encourage her to aim even higher and bring home more championship belts. I also direct the National Sports Council to work closely with her, providing the necessary support to help her achieve more. This TZS 5 million award is a token of appreciation for her remarkable accomplishment.”
In her remarks, Vunjabei expressed deep gratitude to the National Sports Council (NSC), the Tanzania Professional Boxing Commission, and the government for their unwavering support.
She emphasized her dedication to the sport and her appreciation for President Samia’s leadership.
“I am sincerely grateful to NSC, the Professional Boxing Commission, and the government for their continuous support. I especially thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her encouragement. I have nothing greater to give her than this championship belt, which I humbly offer as my gift,” she noted.
Vunjabei’s victory and the government’s recognition reflect a broader commitment to elevating sports in Tanzania.
Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and highlights the potential of Tanzanian boxing on the international stage.