Hamoud Daïdi — Olympic Boxer and Martyr of Blida
Hamoud Daïdi was an Algerian boxer born in Blida on 25 May 1933. He competed at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, became French Super Lightweight Amateur Champion in 1953, and later joined the FLN. He died as a martyr on 13 May 1958 in Blida.
15 November 2025
Hamoud Daïdi was born in Blida on 25 May 1933 and showed extraordinary talent in boxing from a young age. Trained under Professor Benmehdia at age 16, and later under the renowned Professor Chérif Belabbès, he became one of the finest amateur boxers Algeria ever produced.
A Champion in the Ring
His achievements in boxing were remarkable:
- Competed at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games
- Became French Super Lightweight Amateur Champion in 1953
- Reached the finals at the 1953 European Amateur Boxing Championships
- Competed at the Latin American Championships in Buenos Aires
From the Ring to the Revolution
Following the outbreak of the Algerian Revolution in 1954, Daïdi served in Germany before returning to Algeria. In 1956, he joined the FLN (National Liberation Front), putting his athletic fame aside to serve his country's independence struggle.
He suffered a neck injury at a colonial checkpoint and later formally enlisted with the National Liberation Army (ALN) in 1957.
Martyrdom
Arrested and subjected to torture in Blida prison, his health deteriorated rapidly. Hamoud Daïdi died at Blida Hospital on 13 May 1958, a martyr to Algeria's cause.
Legacy
Hamoud Daïdi's story is one of profound sacrifice — a man who had achieved international sporting fame chose to risk and ultimately give everything for his people's freedom. He is remembered as one of Blida's most decorated sons.