Members of Somalia's Olympic committee and football chiefs are amongst 10 people killed after a suicide blast in Mogadishu.
Al-Shabab militants have claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred at a newly re-opened national theatre.
Somali PM Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was also present when the attack occurred, but he told the BBC he is unhurt.
The prime minister also told the corporation the attacker was a woman.
Aden Yabarow Wiish, the President of the Somali Olympic Committee, and the Somali Football Federation's head, Said Mohamed Nur, made up a group of dignitaries who had assembled to commemorate the first anniversary Somalia's national television station launching.
In the 1990s, the theatre closed as Somalia plunged into civil war.
Downing Street released a statement, with Prime Minister David Cameron saying: “I am deeply shocked by the sickening attack on the Somali National Theatre in Mogadishu today.
"I utterly condemn the action of these terrorists who have shown complete disregard for the lives of the Somali people and for their desire to bring back normal daily life in Mogadishu. And my thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have been killed or injured in this mindless violence."
"This is obviously a very difficult moment for everyone involved with the Somali Olympics team. But I hope that with time, as they move beyond today’s tragic events, so they will unite their country and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives today by competing in the London Olympics.
"We will welcome them and stand with them in memory of their very sad loss.”