From Inception to Dominance
Early Beginnings: The Foundation of Squash in Egypt
Squash was introduced to Egypt in the early 20th century by British officers stationed in the country. The sport initially gained traction among the expatriate community, with clubs like Gezira Sporting Club in Cairo and Alexandria Sporting Club hosting early matches.
By the 1930s, Egyptian players began making their mark, adopting and excelling at the sport. The first Egyptian national squash championship was held in 1933, marking the formalisation of squash as a competitive sport in the country.
The Amateur Era (1930s-1970s)
During the amateur era, Egypt produced several world-class players who showcased their talent on the global stage. The most notable early figure was Mahmoud Karim, who dominated the British Open—then considered the unofficial world championship—winning four titles in 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1950.
His victories marked Egypt’s entry into the global squash elite.
Other notable players from this era included:
- Abdel-Fattah Amr (“F.D. Amr Bey”): A pioneer of Egyptian squash, Amr Bey won the British Open six consecutive times from 1933 to 1938, cementing Egypt’s reputation as a squash powerhouse.
- Abou Taleb: he ended the Pakistani stranglehold of the British Open by winning three titles 1963 – 1965. A significant figure in the 1960s and 1970s, Abou Taleb was known for his exceptional skill and unique style. He dominated the amateur circuit, winning multiple titles and setting a high standard for the next generation of Egyptian players. His contributions laid the groundwork for Egypt’s future dominance in the professional era.
The Transition to Professionalism (1970s-1980s)
The 1970s marked a significant turning point for squash globally, with the advent of professionalism. Egypt’s presence on the international scene waned slightly during this transition, as the sport began to evolve with new rules, equipment, and formats. However, players like Gamal Awad kept Egypt on the map, with Awad famously reaching the British Open final in 1983, where he lost to the legendary Jahangir Khan who beat him a few weeks before that in the most gruelling of all matches, in Chichester Festival: 9-10, 9-5, 9-7, 9-2 (166m), a match that “broke” Awad mentally according to the specialists at the time.
The Modern Era: Egypt’s Golden Generation (1990s-Present)
The 1990s marked the beginning of a resurgence for Egyptian squash, driven by a new generation of players and improved coaching methods. This period laid the groundwork for Egypt’s eventual dominance in the 21st century.
Pioneers of the Modern Era
- Ahmed Barada: A charismatic and talented player, Barada reached the World Championship final in 1999 and won multiple PSA titles. His success inspired a generation of young Egyptians to take up the sport.
- Amr Shabana: Known as “The Maestro,” Shabana became Egypt’s first professional World Champion in 2003. He went on to win four World Championship titles (2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009) and became World No. 1, setting the stage for Egypt’s dominance.
Egypt’s Dominance in the 21st Century
From the mid-2000s onward, Egyptian players have consistently occupied the top ranks of the PSA World Tour, dominating major tournaments.
Men’s Champions:
- Ramy Ashour: Often regarded as one of the most talented players in squash history, Ashour won three World Championship titles (2008, 2012, 2014) and spent several years as World No. 1.
- Karim Abdel Gawad: The 2016 World Champion, Gawad also reached World No. 1.
- Ali Farag: A multiple-time World Champion (2019, 2021, 2023) and World No. 1, Farag is celebrated for his tactical brilliance and sportsmanship.
- Mostafa Asal: The rising star of Egyptian squash, Asal won the 2022 World Championship and is a formidable competitor on the PSA Tour.
Women’s Champions: Egypt’s women have been equally dominant. And it all started with one dedicated lady: Dr Samiha Aboulmagd.
Dr-SamihaDr. Samiha, affectionately known as the “Mother of Egyptian Squash,” played a pivotal role in the development and success of women’s squash in Egypt. Her dedication and vision transformed the sport, leading to Egypt’s dominance on the global stage.
In the early 1990s, Dr. Aboulmagd recognised the potential of Egyptian women in squash and took significant steps to nurture young talent. She was instrumental in establishing training programs and providing opportunities for female players to compete internationally. Her efforts bore fruit as Egyptian women began to make their mark in global competitions.
One of her notable achievements was her involvement in the 2003 World Junior Women’s Squash Championships, where Egypt secured a historic victory. Dr. Aboulmagd remarked on the significance of this win, stating, “This win is very important for women’s squash here in Egypt as it will increase the number of junior girls that play the game.”
Dr. Aboulmagd’s influence extended beyond coaching and administration. She was a mentor and a source of inspiration for many players. Her passion for the sport and commitment to its growth earned her the respect and admiration of the squash community.
Her legacy is evident in the achievements of players like Omneya Abdel Kawy, Raneem El Welily, Nour El Sherbini, and many others who have reached the pinnacle of the sport. Dr. Aboulmagd’s contributions laid the foundation for Egypt’s current status as a powerhouse in women’s squash.
Dr. Samiha Aboulmagd passed away in 2018, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Egyptian squash. Her life’s work continues to inspire and influence the sport in Egypt and around the world. Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have ensured that women’s squash in Egypt remains a beacon of excellence and a source of national pride.
Thanks to Dr Samiha, Egypt has been producing some of the greatest players in the history of the sport:
- Omneya Abdel Kawy: A Egyptian women’s squash trailblazer, Abdel Kawy won the World Junior Championship in 1999 and reached the senior World Championship final in 2010. Her success paved the way for future Egyptian female players, inspiring figures like Raneem El Welily and Nour El Sherbini.
- Raneem El Welily: The first Egyptian woman to become World No. 1, El Welily won the World Championship in 2017.
- Nour El Sherbini: Nicknamed “The Warrior Princess,” El Sherbini has won multiple World Championship titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) and is a trailblazer in women’s squash.
- Nouran Gohar: Known as “The Terminator,” Gohar has been a consistent force on the PSA Tour, winning the World Championship in 2020 and achieving World No. 1 status.
- Hania El Hammamy: The “Gazelle”. A younger player who has already claimed significant titles and continues Egypt’s tradition of excellence.
Egyptian Dominance in Team Events
Egypt’s dominance extends to team competitions, with numerous World Team Championships won by both the men’s and women’s squads. The Egyptian Squash Federation’s investment in grassroots development and talent identification has ensured a steady pipeline of world-class players.
The Keys to Success
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Egypt boasts numerous squash courts and clubs, fostering accessibility and development.
- Coaching Excellence: Egyptian coaches are among the best in the world, blending traditional techniques with modern strategies.
- Cultural Significance: Squash is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture, with players enjoying celebrity status and serving as role models.
- Support Systems: Government and private sponsorships have enabled players to compete globally and focus on their careers.
Conclusion
Egypt’s journey in squash is a testament to the nation’s dedication to excellence. From its early beginnings in the 1930s to its current status as the world’s leading squash powerhouse, Egypt has consistently produced champions who have redefined the sport. With a strong foundation and a relentless drive to succeed, the future of Egyptian squash looks brighter than ever.
MAGIC FROM THE NILE: MAHMOUD KARIM
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