The championship, held from 1-8 November at the Cairo International Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, welcomed competitors from nine countries across various continents alongside host nation Egypt.
In the women’s team event (II2 category), the trio of Esraa Ahmed, Mariam Abdel-Fattah, and Rahma Khaled earned bronze, while in the men’s team event (II2 category), Karim Al-Zeini, Mohamed Al-Ilah, and Youssef Mohamed secured another bronze medal.
Individually, Khaled added a bronze in the women’s singles (II2 category) and teamed up with Abdel-Fattah to claim another bronze in the women’s doubles (II2 category). In the II3 category, Marawan Emad and Nour Eslam clinched bronze in the mixed doubles, while Abdullah Ahmed Egypt and Evan of Bulgaria took bronze in the same category.
“I am extremely proud of these results, especially since the matches were tough and the level of competition was very high,” Khaled said, reflecting on her achievement. Competing on home soil, she said, provided an extra boost of motivation. “We are all proud to represent Egypt, and every player gives their utmost to raise the national flag.”
Khaled expressed gratitude to her family, coaches, and administrative staff for their unwavering support. “Their belief in us made all the difference,” she said with a smile. “We still have much to accomplish, and the future looks promising. It’s a great honour to compete at home, in front of our supporters.”
Amal Mobadda, president of the Egyptian Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments, and also vice president of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee and Virtus governing board member, praised the efforts of the athletes and the organising team.
“Egypt has once again proven its ability to organise world-class international events,” Mobadda said. “The championships hosted by Egypt in recent years have been universally praised for their professionalism and exceptional hospitality.”
She noted that the achievements of the national team were especially impressive considering the federation’s young age, established only a decade ago.
“In such a short time, we have succeeded in producing champions and winning medals in numerous international tournaments. This is a great accomplishment of which we are immensely proud of.”
Mobadda extended her gratitude to the athletes’ families for their crucial role. “Families are essential partners in shaping champions. They are their first and greatest supporters.” Concluding with emotion, she said, “They are our children — God’s angels on earth. I hope to always see them excel, flourish, and continue to share their love and connection with us.”
Howeida Mondi, the Virtus 2025 World Table Tennis Championship manager and executive manager of the Egyptian Federation for People with Intellectual Impairment, whose efforts were admired by all, said “our goal was to deliver a championship that meets international standards and reflects the warmth of Egyptian hospitality. The dedication of every volunteer and official made this event a true success.
“This championship is only the beginning. Egypt is ready to take inclusion in sport to the next level and the Virtus Global Games 2027 will be our next milestone.”
Representatives from 45 countries toured a series of world-class sports venues across Cairo this week as part of Egypt’s preparations to host the Virtus Global Games 2027, the largest international event for athletes with intellectual impairments.
The delegation, which included Virtus governing board members, national federation officials, and technical experts, inspected multiple facilities to evaluate readiness and finalise venues for various sports. The tour showcased Egypt’s strong commitment to ensuring that the Games meet the highest global standards.
Their inspection began at the Cairo International Stadium Complex, where they visited indoor halls 1, 2, 3 and 4, each equipped to accommodate thousands of spectators. They also toured the tennis courts, the Cycling Velodrome, and the Presidential Guard Club, which features state-of-the-art training and competition facilities, stables, and recreational zones. The club’s over 100 horses available for rent impressed the visitors, ensuring accessibility for athletes arriving without their own.
At the Cairo Stadium Swimming Complex, Austrian delegates Rene Schoenberger and Paula Scherl expressed admiration for the finswimming competitions. “It’s amazing. We’ve never seen competitions like this before. The events are huge and exciting. In every hall there was something happening, and so many people enjoying the atmosphere.”
Helen Croxford, president of Sports Inclusion Australia and a Virtus governing board member, shared her enthusiasm. “This is my first trip to Egypt and it’s truly impressive. The people are very welcoming and the facilities are first class. Virtus is very fortunate to have Egypt hosting the 2027 Global Games. I think everyone is ready for it.”
Patrick Chan from Hong Kong, Virtus governing board member and Virtus Asia president, echoed the praise. “The facilities are fantastic, fully meeting the requirements of the 2027 Global Games. The proximity of the venues and hotels and the quality of accommodation make it ideal. I look forward to a very successful event.”
From Finland, Temo Pelkonin added “the venues look great, perfect for competition. I believe Cairo is already ready for the 2027 Games. I can’t wait to bring my team here.”
Barry Holman, Virtus secretary general, concluded the visit by commending Egypt’s readiness and hospitality.
“We are even more excited now after seeing all the facilities. Hosting the Global Games in Cairo is a major milestone for Virtus. Every venue we saw ensures a fantastic experience for athletes and fans. Only minor adjustments are needed to accommodate all intellectual impairment classifications.”
He also praised the ongoing Virtus World Table Tennis Championships, describing them as “fantastic, the signage, setup, and organisation are perfect, and everyone is happy.”
Holman added, “For me, Egypt feels like a second home; this is my fifth visit.”
Alongside the championships, the 2025 Virtus General Assembly convened in Cairo where a new governing board was elected.
Robyn Smith, OAM of Australia, made history as the first-ever female president of Virtus, following her tenure as vice president. She also highlighted one of Virtus’ proudest achievements: the election of Lenine Cunha to the IPC Athletes’ Council.
Dina Temirgaliyeva of Kazakhstan was elected as vice president, and Yossi Romano as secretary general, succeeding Holman.
From Virtus’ regional representatives, Miguel Caraballo (Puerto Rico) was elected for the Americas, Catherine Fayollet (France) and Javier Gutierrez (Spain) for Europe, and Rana Gamal (Egypt) for Africa.
Gamal expressed her vision. “I am deeply committed to using sport as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and social change. I will dedicate my experience and network to advancing Virtus Africa and ensuring athletes with intellectual impairments are empowered to reach their full potential.”
In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, Smith, the newly elected president of Virtus, reflected on her vision and Egypt’s growing role in the movement:
“It is an honour to be elected president. I will begin my work immediately upon returning home. My goal is to collaborate closely with international federations and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to progress. This means working together as one family, united and ensuring that no athlete is left behind.”
Commenting on Egypt’s success in hosting the 2025 Virtus World Table Tennis Championships, she added:
“The event was outstanding, perfectly organised, with excellent facilities, volunteers, transportation, and accommodation. The Egyptian people are incredibly warm and their culture is truly beautiful.”
Smith recalled her earlier visit in 2023 to inspect the venues. “Having all the venues and hotels close together, including the Cairo Stadium and the indoor halls, makes Egypt perfectly prepared for the 2027 Global Games.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all African nations to unite and participate. Egypt adds a rich cultural dimension to our movement, one of the world’s oldest civilisations offering an unforgettable experience for our athletes. We look forward to the 2027 Games as a catalyst to attract new Virtus members across Africa and the Middle East.”
* A version of this article appears in print in the 13 November, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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