The 27-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler, a five-time world champion and bronze medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, said he has begun the process of obtaining US citizenship and hopes to compete for the US team at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“I have no problem with Egypt as a country. I grew up here, achieved many titles, and raised its flag proudly,” Kesho told Al Ahly TV. “But my problem is with the sports management. I’ve faced repeated neglect and broken promises.”
He added that he had been denied access to training facilities at Egypt’s Olympic Centre and received little financial backing despite his record of achievements.
“I’m an Olympic medallist and 13-time African champion, but I earn 1,500 Egyptian pounds ($31) a month. Is that fair?” he said.
The wrestler stated that although he signed a sponsorship deal in 2019, he never received the funds directly and often paid his own expenses for travel and training.
“I’m no longer willing to listen to officials after years of injustice,” he said.
Under international sporting regulations, athletes who change nationality must typically wait three years before representing their new country. Kesho said he was ready to wait as long as necessary.
“Even if it takes 20 years, I’ll wait to prove I was wronged,” he said.
Kesho was part of Egypt’s delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympics, after which he briefly announced his retirement before reversing the decision.
He is now based in the US and training independently.
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