In Photos- Speedball: Egypt ready for another triumph in Kuwait

Eslam Omar , Saturday 27 Oct 2018

Egyptians are dominating the game since its invention and they are the title holders and all time champions

Egypt Speedball team during their participation in the 30th edition of the Speedball World Championship (Photo: Ahram)

The 30th edition of the Speedball World Championship kicked-off on Friday in Kuwait with Egypt competing in all disciplines.

"We would love to thank the Kuwaiti Speedball Committee for all of their effort in organizing the tournament and we wish all the best for all the players," stated the president of the International Speedball Federation Ahmed Lotfi during the opening.

International Speedball Federation Ahmed Mohamed Lotfi speaks during on the opening day of the 30th Speedball tournament in Kuwait, 26 October 2018 (Photo: Ahram)

Egyptians have dominated the game since its invention and are the current title holders and all-time champions.

The first rounds of the tournament in super solo, singles, and doubles took place on Saturday with the Pharaohs showing their strength.

Under leadership of the Egyptian, Arab and African Federations head Amro Hussein, the Egyptian delegation, which consists of 16 players and 8 coaches, is the largest of all competing teams.

Among the 104 participants besides Egypt and hosts Kuwait are France, Poland, Tunisia, Bangladesh, India, and a German team that includes former Egyptian champion Osman Youssif, who is leading the European team after changing nationalities a few years ago.

Former Egyptian and currently German speedball champion Osman Youssif is among the most favourites for the single final alongside with Egypt's Hazem Yasser(Photo: Ahram)

"We would love to thank players from all nationalities for their participation. Welcome in the land of love and peace," Kuwaiti Committee and Asian Federation Head Yakoub Dashty said during the opening ceremony.

Head of Asian and Kuwaiti Speedball Federation Yakoub Dashty speaks on the opening day of the 30th Speedball tournament in Kuwait, 26 October 2018 (Photo: Ahram)

The tournament, which is for both genders and adults and youth, will take place for two days in Kuwait.

Originally a beach sport, speedball was invented by Egyptian Mohamed Lotfi in the 80s and it is catching on with more players across the world every year.