Muhammad Yahya wins discus gold to boost Egypt’s medal haul at Dakar Youth Olympics

Egypt’s Muhammad Yahya won gold in the discus throw at the Youth Olympics in Dakar, adding a sixth gold medal to his country’s overall tally at the Games.

Yahya produced a personal best of 68.23 metres to claim the athletics title in the Senegalese capital and provide another major result for Egypt’s 45-strong delegation.

Egypt is competing in 19 sports in Dakar, although some disciplines in which the country has traditionally been a strong contender are absent from its programme. Yahya’s victory has nevertheless strengthened the team’s confidence and raised its medal count to six golds, one silver and two bronze medals.

Swimmer Zein Hesham leads Egypt’s roll of honour after winning three gold medals.

Sondos Sonbol also made history by taking gold in the wushu kung fu Ganshu competition. Her triumph delivered Egypt’s first Youth Olympic medal in the sport.

Youssef Hassan had earlier added another gold medal to Egypt’s total, before Yahya’s success in athletics further underlined the breadth of the delegation’s achievements across different sports.

The remaining medals have come in fencing, judo and hammer throw. Sarah Amr Hosny won silver in the foil competition, while Ali El-Ramly claimed bronze in the under-81kg judo category.

Mohamed Ismail completed the bronze-medal successes with a third-place finish in the hammer throw. The results give Egypt nine medals in total and highlight the progress of a new generation of athletes regarded as carrying the country’s sporting ambitions into the future.

Minister of Youth and Sports Johar Nabil praised the Egyptian athletes for their performances in Dakar.

He commended their determination to raise the Egyptian flag on the podium and stressed the importance of continuing to support the country’s athletes while providing the conditions needed to produce further sporting achievements.

Yasser El-Desouky, president of the Egyptian Olympic Committee and vice-president of the International Swimming Federation, also welcomed the delegation’s results.

He said he was pleased by the performances delivered in Dakar and praised the athletes for their commitment and competitive spirit. He also recognised the work of the competitors, coaching teams and sports federations in securing the medals.

El-Desouky said the results reflected a wider programme designed to support promising talent and prepare a generation capable of representing Egypt at future Olympic events.