In a momentous occasion held on June 8, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco welcomed the remarkable mountaineer Nawal Sfendla to an audience at the royal palace in Rabat. This meeting was a celebration of Sfendla's extraordinary athletic achievement, making her the first Moroccan woman to successfully ascend both the towering peaks of Mount Everest and Lhotse in the Himalayas consecutively in a single attempt.
During this prestigious royal audience, the King awarded Sfendla the national Order of Merit "Wissam Al Moukafaa Al Watania" at the rank of Officer. According to the Moroccan News Agency MAP, this reception exemplified the royal interest in promoting sports and recognizing the accomplishments of Moroccan women. Just days before, on May 27, 2026, King Mohammed VI had already congratulated the athlete through an official message, lauding her achievement as a "world-class performance" that proudly showcased the national colors. The monarch emphasized that this success stemmed from Sfendla's unwavering commitment and determination, highlighting the capabilities of Moroccan women to tackle challenging endeavors and serving as a testament to the ambition of Moroccan youth in the international sports arena.
Nawal Sfendla has previously conquered several of the world’s highest peaks across Europe, America, and Asia. Her recent double ascent is particularly notable in the climbing community due to the extreme altitude and physical strain involved. The King expressed his best wishes for Sfendla's future athletic career, hoping for continued success and further accolades.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
