In a wide-ranging interview with President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee (EOC), Yasser Idris discussed Egypt’s preparations for hosting the 2027 All-Africa Games, the lessons learned from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the long-term vision leading to Los Angeles 2028. He also shared insights into Egypt’s growing international partnerships and his plans to modernise the entire sporting ecosystem.
Fresh from his recent visit to Morocco, Idris addressed the ongoing discussions between the UCSA (Union of African Sports Confederations) and ANUCA (Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa) regarding their respective roles in organising the 2027 All-Africa Games to be hosted by Egypt.
“We have signed a cooperation protocol that clearly defines the responsibilities of both entities,” Idris said. “The UCSA will handle all technical matters while ANUCA will oversee administrative and organisational aspects, ensuring there is no conflict of interest. The Games will be hosted by Egypt, and we intend for them to meet the highest international standards.”
Idris added that the Local Organising Committee will soon be established under the leadership of Ashraf Sobhi, minister of youth and sports, with Idris serving as vice president. “The committee will include members from various sectors, supported by several subcommittees responsible for logistics, operations and event management,” he said.
Reflecting on Egypt’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Idris dismissed claims of underachievement, emphasising instead the solid foundation laid for future success. “I don’t see that we failed in Paris — on the contrary, we succeeded,” he said confidently.
“We had eight athletes finishing in fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh positions, all young competitors who will reach their peak by Los Angeles 2028. Sports success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of long-term preparation.” In Paris, Egypt picked up three medals, including one gold in the modern pentathlon.
Idris cited the example of Mohamed Al-Sayed, who placed fourth in fencing at Tokyo 2020 and went on to win a bronze medal in Paris 2024. “I told everyone back then not to criticise fencing prematurely — and we proved our potential in Paris,” Idris noted. “In sports, results take years of investment, training and patience. You cannot expect medals by chance. We achieved three medals and eight certificates; that’s progress.”
Idris also addressed the negativity directed at athletes during the Games. “Some people attack athletes for personal reasons, not for the country’s good. Criticism should come after the competition, not during it,” he stressed. “Such pressure harms the performance of others who are still competing.”
Discussing Egypt’s broader sports development, Idris emphasised that sporting excellence goes beyond medals. “Sports civilisation, as I call it, is measured by how many sports you compete in, how many athletes qualify, and how many women participate. Sport is not only about winning. It’s about behaviour, ethics and national character.”
Looking ahead, Idris affirmed that Egypt’s preparations for Los Angeles 2028 has already begun. “Unlike Paris 2024, when our board came in just seven months before the Games, we are starting early this time,” he said. “We have comprehensive plans with all federations and with full state support. We are confident of winning medals in at least eight sports, including fencing, weightlifting, wrestling, squash, modern pentathlon, and shooting. Funding has already been secured for training camps and qualification events.”
A significant milestone, Idris revealed, is the strategic partnership with the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). “We have just signed an official cooperation protocol at CONI’s headquarters in Rome,” he said. The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in technical, medical and administrative preparations, and to organise joint training camps in Italy’s world-class facilities which can host 26 Olympic sports.
Supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the initiative incurs no financial cost to Egypt and marks a new era in the country’s international sports relations. “This is just the beginning,” Idris added. “We are establishing a network of partnerships that will benefit athletes, coaches, and administrators, enabling knowledge exchange and professional growth across the entire sporting ecosystem.”
He said that Egypt is also expanding its collaboration with universities both domestically and internationally to develop the Egyptian Olympic Academy. “I don’t just want our athletes to be professional. I want the entire system around them to evolve,” Idris stated. “That includes physicians, administrators, nutritionists, psychologists, coaches, and referees. Every element must be modernised and aligned with the latest sports technologies. To achieve that, we are forming committees led by business leaders and experts in their fields.”
Idris expressed pride in the role of women in Egyptian sports. “We have several female athletes capable of winning medals at the Los Angeles Olympics. I expect at least three to stand on the podium, a true reflection of our progress,” he said.
Firmly opposing the naturalisation of athletes, Idris was unequivocal: “For me, changing nationality for sports is unacceptable. A country invests in you, shapes your identity, and gives you your opportunities. Leaving it behind for another flag, regardless of reason, is something I consider a betrayal. We are working to put measures in place to prevent such cases in the future.”
Egyptian Olympic wrestler Mohamed Ibrahim, known as “Kesho”, declared his intention to switch allegiance to the United States.
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 United States in Los Angeles.
Mohamed Al-Shorbagi and his brother Marwan Al-Shorbagy, both top-ranked Egyptian squash players, have switched their international allegiance to represent England. Mohamed Al-Shorbagi made the switch in June 2022 while Marwan Al- Shorbagi, a former world team champion, announced his decision in July 2023.
Ending on an optimistic note, Idris emphasised his faith in Egypt’s sporting future. “We have everything we need: strong athletes, passionate youth and the infrastructure. Sometimes we just need a little luck,” he said with a smile. “I am very optimistic, especially about our juniors, who have already achieved impressive results in diving, swimming and water polo.
“We are fully ready for the Youth Olympic Games, and our only request is for Egyptians to believe in their athletes and stand behind them. Together, we can keep Egypt’s flag flying high.”
The next Youth Olympic Games will be the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, held from 31 October to 13 November 2026.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 November, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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