Egyptian sports have experienced a rollercoaster year in 2023, with soaring successes in squash but facing challenges, particularly in football.
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the highs and lows across various disciplines.
In football, Al-Ahly emerged as a beacon of success, securing titles such as the African Champions League and claiming a bronze medal in the Club World Cup.
However, the national team faced setbacks, losing the African League title and the African Super Cup.
The Olympic team managed to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after a commendable performance in the U-23 African Nations Championship, finishing as runners-up.
Egyptian handball continued its excellence, with the national team securing seventh place in the World Championship.
The youth and junior teams also made notable achievements, placing tenth and fourth, respectively, in their respective World Championships.
On the women’s front, both the under-19 and under-17 teams showcased their prowess by securing second place and winning the African Championship in Tunisia.
At the club level, Al-Ahly and Zamalek had commendable performances, winning various championships in basketball, with Al-Ahly men clinching the African Basketball League for the first time.
In volleyball, the Egyptian national team claimed victory in the African Nations Championship, regaining its continental title after a hiatus since 2015.
However, the standout success for Egypt in 2023 was in squash.
The men’s team secured the World Championship title for the sixth time, and Nour El-Sherbiny claimed her seventh Women’s World Championship title.
Ali Farag, ranking at the top globally, and Amina Arfi also made significant contributions to Egypt’s squash dominance.
Egyptian tennis saw Mayar Sharif making history by reaching the quarter-finals in the Madrid Championship, becoming the first Egyptian woman to achieve this feat in a Masters tournament.
Sharif’s achievements continued with titles in the Makariska and Valencia tournaments.
In weightlifting, the Egyptian team excelled in various championships, with Sarah Samir setting an African record in the weightlifting division.
The achievements extended to shooting, taekwondo, swimming, and diving, with Egyptian athletes securing medals and qualifications for prestigious events, including the Paris Olympics.
As Egypt faces both triumphs and challenges in different sports, the nation’s athletes continue to inspire and showcase their prowess on the global stage.
