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Soufiane El Bakkali wins 3,000m steeplechase at Mohammed VI International Meeting with world-leading time
via Le Matin2 min read
Moroccan runner Soufiane El Bakkali secured a victory in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Mohammed VI International Meeting, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Stadium. El Bakkali, a double Olympic and world champion, achieved the best world performance of the year with a time of 7 minutes, 57 seconds, and 25 hundredths. He stated that this win, marking the third stage of the Diamond League, motivates him to pursue the ultimate 3,000m steeplechase world record of 7 minutes, 53 seconds, and 63 hundredths. El Bakkali noted that starting his season with such a strong time reinforces his quest for the world record, which he believes requires specific conditions, rigorous preparation, and a well-defined strategy. He acknowledged the high level of competition, particularly from Kenyan, Ethiopian, and European athletes. El Bakkali views this victory as a positive sign for upcoming events in Stockholm and Doha, as well as the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Mohammed VI International Meeting, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, brought together athletes from 40 countries, including Olympic and world champions. The event is a collaboration between the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, and the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region.
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Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the 17th Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI. This event highlights the King's sustained interest in sports as a driver for human development, inclusion, social cohesion, and youth empowerment. It also underscores the King's focus on athletics, which embodies values of perseverance and fair play, and his commitment to providing optimal conditions for young people to excel. Upon his arrival at the Olympic Stadium, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan reviewed a section of the Royal Guard and was greeted by several dignitaries, including the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada, and the president of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, Faïçal Laraichi. He was also greeted by the president of the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, Abdeslam Ahizoune, and the director of the Diamond League circuit, Petr Stastny. The Crown Prince then attended the national anthem and a balloon release, marking the start of the international competition, which features top global athletes and is broadcast live on 150 channels. He observed various high-level competitions where athletes set new meeting records. Established on June 14, 2008, the Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting in Rabat is a key part of the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation's development plan, aligned with King Mohammed VI's directives. This event annually attracts world-class athletes
Cosumar recorded a consolidated revenue of 2.2 billion dirhams in the first quarter of 2026, a 17.3% decrease compared to the same period last year. This decline is attributed to temporary logistical disruptions caused by exceptional weather conditions affecting port flows and distribution, as well as a decrease in global sugar prices since 2025. Consolidated sales volumes reached 461,000 tons by the end of March 2026, down 53,000 tons from the previous year. The group expects to recover volumes in the coming months due to its industrial and logistical capacities, including a daily refining capacity exceeding 7,000 tons. Net debt increased to 986 million dirhams from 206 million dirhams at the end of December 2025, mainly due to a larger agricultural campaign. Investments totaled 25 million dirhams, primarily for maintenance and industrial upgrades. Preparations for the 2026 agricultural campaign are favorable, supported by significant rainfall across the Kingdom, leading to the highest dam filling rates in ten years. While floods in the Gharb and Loukkos regions partially affected sugar crops, national sugar production growth prospects remain positive. Cosumar maintained regular national sugar supply through its storage and refining capacities and resilient logistics. Global sugar prices continued their downward trend in early 2026 but rebounded 10% to 15% in March due to macroeconomic and geopolitical factors and less favorable Indian export outlooks. Cosumar maintains its
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Morocco and Egypt will play for third place in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. Both teams were eliminated in the semi-finals, with Morocco losing to Senegal and Egypt to Tanzania. This match is a rematch of their group stage encounter, which the Moroccan team, the Atlas Cubs, won 2-1. The third-place playoff between Morocco and Egypt will kick off at 8:00 PM at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora. The match will be broadcast on Arryadia TNT and beIN Sports 5.