From the Pyramids to the Olympics: Egypt’s Squash Dream Takes Shape

Beneath the shadow of Egypt’s ancient pyramids, a transparent glass squash court reflects more than just a fast-paced match. It reflects a nation preparing for a historic moment. As squash moves toward its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics, Egypt, long considered the dominant force in the sport, faces a new challenge: transforming global success into Olympic achievement.

For decades, squash has held a unique position within Egypt’s sports culture. According to Captain Ashraf Hanafy, former captain of Egypt’s national squash team, the roots of the sport in Egypt date back to the 1950s during the British presence in the country. “Squash is not new to Egypt,” he explained. “We have always had champions, but our dominance has grown significantly in recent years across men’s, women’s, and junior competitions.”

Today, Egypt continues to lead the global squash scene, consistently producing world champions and top-ranked players. However, Hanafy believes the Olympic format introduces a completely different kind of pressure. Unlike world championships, the Olympics allow only a limited number of athletes from each country to participate, making selection itself one of the biggest challenges facing Egypt.

“It will be very difficult for Egypt to choose only a few players for the Olympics,” Hanafy said. “Without a clear plan, this could become a real problem.” He also believes Olympic preparation requires more than technical ability alone. According to Hanafy, athletes competing at the Olympic level must develop mental strength, discipline, and the ability to handle pressure during major international competitions. “Preparing an Olympic athlete is completely different,” Hanafy explained. “It is not just about skill anymore. It is about mental readiness, timing, and handling global pressure.”

Younger players are already beginning to feel the impact of squash becoming an Olympic sport. Junior player Nader El Sayed described how the dream itself has changed for the new generation. “Before, our biggest dream was winning world championships,” he said. “Now the Olympics became the ultimate goal. It changed how we train and how we think.”

For El Sayed, the Olympic inclusion of squash has added a new layer of motivation for young athletes trying to build professional careers in the sport. The idea of competing not only for international titles but also for an Olympic medal has transformed the way many junior players approach training and long-term preparation.

Near the pyramids, where history and modern sport now intersect, the symbolism is difficult to ignore. Egypt, a country whose identity has long been connected to legacy and achievement, is preparing to build a new chapter through squash on the Olympic stage.

The question is no longer whether Egypt can compete internationally. The question now is whether Egypt can transform decades of dominance into Olympic gold.