Abdel Monem Amara, the former Minister of Youth and Sports, has shed light on the sporting allegiances of the late President Mohamed Anwar Sadat to Zamalek, while highlighting President Hosni Mubarak’s prowess in squash.
Speaking on the program “El Remontada” with presenter Ahmed Hossam “Mido” on the satellite channel “Al-Mehwar,” Abdel Monem Amara stated, “The late President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak used to discuss significant sporting matters with me.”
He continued, “Mubarak excelled in squash and faced significant criticism from many individuals, but I managed to strike a balance between youth and sports.”
Amara added, “I worked with President Sadat, and my relationship with him was very good.
He told me he wanted to appoint me as President.”
“I felt that Mubarak and Sadat were fans of Zamalek,” Amara remarked.
Concluding his remarks, he recounted an incident involving the Ismaili Club facing Al Ahly in a match that was left incomplete in 1978.
“I expected a call from President Sadat after the events, but he did not contact me then.
I spoke to him later, and he explained what happened, and that was the end of the matter.”
The revelations by Amara provide insight into the personal interests of Egypt’s former leaders in sports, adding an intriguing layer to their legacies beyond politics.
