The Egyptian wheelchair basketball national team beat Kuwait in the final of the Arab championship 41-40. The tournament was held in Kuwait from 25 April to 2 May.

Each team had topped their group. With the stands packed with Kuwait fans, the game was tight throughout, reflected by the one-point difference in the score.

“It was a very tough final. The teams were not easy but our experience made it count in the end and we were able to take first place and the gold medal,” Adel Sherif, Egypt’s coach, said. “This victory is very important for us before participating in the World Championship in Dubai from 7-20 June. We want to win a medal and we are working hard on this so this title and the medal will give the players the enthusiasm needed to go ahead and win a second medal soon.”

Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi phoned the delegation after the final to congratulate the team. “We are always proud of our para athletes and you are always up to the challenge. We will always back you in all your international games and I wish you the best in the future.”

Egyptian Paralympic Committee President Hossameddin Mustafa also congratulated the team “for their achievement and hard work all through the championship to be able to reach the final and win the gold medal. I am very proud of the team as they are dedicated and very well-organised. With more training and enthusiasm we can compete for a World Championship medal.”

Amal Mobada, Egyptian Paralympic Committee board member and head of the Egyptian delegation, congratulated the team “for their enthusiastic spirit as they were able to come back quickly from their first-set loss to win the match”.

Egypt’s team comprises Mahmoud Sabri, Sami Mansour, Touba Magdi, Mohamed Mohamed, Ashraf Abu Zeid, Ashraf Mohamed, Mohamed Anwar, Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Farag, and Magdi Talaat. The team is coached by Sherif and assistants Gamal Ahmed and Said Badri.

Egypt made it to the final after beating Palestine 76-22, Jordan 76-13, Morocco 57-54 and the United Arab Emirates 81-49.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 4 May, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly