Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed a rising star of Canadian sports to the nation's political heart on Wednesday. Victoria Mboko, the celebrated tennis champion, visited Parliament Hill in Ottawa for a special meeting with the country's leader.
A Champion's Welcome in the Capital
The event, held on December 3, 2025, was a moment of national pride, blending sport and state. The focal point of the gathering was a piece of sports history: the tennis racket Mboko used to clinch her historic victory at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal. In a symbolic gesture, the young athlete signed the racket during the meeting, with Prime Minister Carney looking on.
Celebrating a Historic Victory
Victoria Mboko's win at the prestigious National Bank Open earlier in the year marked a significant milestone for Canadian tennis. Her meeting with the Prime Minister served as a formal recognition of that achievement and her contribution to Canada's sporting landscape. The interaction, captured by photographers, showed Carney reacting with apparent delight as Mboko autographed the iconic piece of equipment.
While the official discussion points were not detailed, such visits typically honour athletic excellence and inspire future generations. The event underscores the federal government's role in celebrating national heroes beyond the political arena.
Symbolism and National Pride
The signed racket now stands as a tangible link between a monumental personal accomplishment and national recognition. Meetings of this nature on Parliament Hill are reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Canadian society, placing Mboko among an elite group.
This recognition highlights the continued growth and success of Canadian athletes on the world stage, particularly in tennis, where the country has produced several top-tier competitors in recent years. Mboko's journey and her reception by the Prime Minister will likely serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Canada.
