Seifeddine Bali, nominated for the Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award thanks to his dedication to developing women's Finswimming in Tunisia
Recognised by the Tunisian National Olympic Committee, coach Seifeddine Bali has been nominated for the prestigious Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award in the category Best Arab Coach Training Female Athletes. His nomination celebrates years of dedication to developing women's Finswimming in Tunisia and across the Arab world.
Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award – Celebrating Excellence in Arab Women's Sports
Launched by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, this award honors women and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to sport in the Arab world. It recognises achievements that inspire equality, dedication, and empowerment across disciplines, from athletes and coaches to sports organizations.
In 2025, among the nominees stands a Tunisian coach whose commitment to women's Finswimming has brought his country international acclaim.
Seifeddine Bali : "Each medal won by my female athletes is a message of hope, equality, and determination."
What does this nomination represent for you?
I'm deeply honored by this nomination from the Tunisian National Olympic Committee. It's a recognition of years of hard work and commitment to promoting women's Finswimming in Tunisia and beyond. It also highlights the fact that Finswimming is officially recognised as an Olympic discipline in Tunisia, reflecting our country's growing commitment to women's sports.
Tell us about your mission as Head Coach of the National Team.
My mission has always been to help female athletes reach their full potential ; not only as champions, but as inspiring role models. I believe in a structured, scientific approach to training that builds confidence, strength, and a winning spirit in every swimmer I coach.
What achievements are you most proud of?
The highlight of my career so far is without a doubt the World Champion title won at the 2025 CMAS World Championships Open Water in Egypt 2025, when Sarra Ben Ahmed claimed gold, a historic first for Tunisia ! Beyond that, our female swimmers have brought home multiple medals from the Mediterranean Beach Games, African Championships, Arab Championships, and World Cup stages.
Promoting women's participation in sport seems central to your work. How do you encourage that?
One of my main goals is to create an environment where female athletes feel valued and supported equally. I work closely with clubs and schools to encourage young Tunisian girls to discover Finswimming. It's about giving them access to proper training, mentoring, and the chance to compete because representation matters.
What first inspired you to take on this mission?
My passion for Finswimming started years ago, but it became a true mission in 2022 when I decided to dedicate myself to building a National Team that could proudly raise the Tunisian flag on the world stage. Every medal won by my female athletes carries a powerful message : one of hope, equality, and determination.
What does this nomination mean for your sport and your country?
It's much more than a personal honor. It's national recognition for Finswimming and for all the women who push boundaries in our sport. It reflects Tunisia's vision of excellence and equality in sport and I'm proud to represent both my country and my athletes through this prestigious award.
We warmly congratulate Seifeddine Bali for his remarkable work and continued commitment to the development of women's Finswimming in Tunisia and beyond.
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award ceremony will take place in November 2025, and we wish him the very best of success.
by Mai ELSAEED
CMAS Finswimming Commission Member
