Hassan El Shahat: Two-time African champion speaks out after World Championship omission

Egyptian wrestler Hassan El Shahat says being left out of the squad for the World Championship was particularly difficult after winning the African Championship twice and working to fund his own training.

“I won the African Championship in two successive years, and I believed I deserved the chance to compete at the World Championship, especially as I continue to work hard and strive for the best possible results,” El Shahat told FilGoal.com.

The wrestler said competing at the global event had been one of his main ambitions and that he was confident he could challenge for a medal if selected.

“Taking part in the World Championship represented a major dream for me. I trusted my ability to compete and win a medal if I was given the opportunity,” he said.

El Shahat has been involved in wrestling for six years and remains determined to reach the highest level despite the setback.

“I have practised wrestling for six years and my dream is to become a world champion. I felt I could win a medal at the World Championship, so being left out was a difficult decision for me,” he added.

The wrestler also described the financial pressures affecting his career, saying he works during his free time to cover his training-related costs.

“My financial circumstances are not good. I work in my spare time so I can support myself, and I also pay for nutritional supplements. Wrestling is a sport that requires constant spending,” said El Shahat.

He said the situation had become more challenging because his father was no longer able to continue supporting him financially.

“The financial circumstances have placed additional pressure on me, particularly because my father is no longer able to keep providing support. The situation should have been different: I should be helping my father rather than relying on him,” he said.

Despite the difficulties, El Shahat insisted he would continue pursuing his ambitions in wrestling.

“I am a wrestling champion and I will not abandon my dream. I will keep working to reach international competitions and win medals,” he said.

El Shahat also rejected any suggestion that he had failed to meet his national-team commitments, saying he had attended every training camp.

“I have never missed a national-team camp, whether it was in Egypt or abroad. All I want is to receive the support that will help me continue and achieve success,” he concluded.