Hosted at Dr Hassan Mustafa Sports Hall in 6th of October City under the patronage of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and organised by the Egyptian Boccia Federation led by Ahmed Adam, the event served as a qualifier for the 2026 Boccia World Cup.
The Egyptian national team delivered an exceptional performance, earning a total of 11 medals across individual, pairs and team events. In the individual competitions, Egypt claimed eight medals - four gold and four silver. The team also secured two gold medals in the pairs category and a bronze in the team event.
In the BC4 pairs event, Hanaa Al-Far and Mustafa Abou Saada captured the gold medal. In the BC3 pairs category, Abdel-Rahman Saad and Rahma Mustafa also achieved gold. The team of Tasneem Gouda (BC1), Mohannad Fawzi, and Islam Al-Madlaa (both BC2) earned the bronze medal in the team event.
In the individual competitions, Rahma Hesham (BC3), Hanaa Allam (BC4), Samir Abdel-Moez (BC3), and Tasneem Gouda (BC1) each secured gold medals. Meanwhile, silver medals were awarded to Fawzy (BC2), Abou Saada (BC4), Saad (BC3), and Mustafa (BC3).
The African championship was entrusted to the Egyptian Boccia Federation in recognition of Egypt’s strong reputation for hosting major regional and international events with excellence and professionalism.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport that requires exceptional precision and muscular control. The sport is contested at local, national and international levels, by athletes with severe physical disabilities. Played from a seated position, the aim is to throw red or blue leather balls as close as possible to a small white ball known as the “jack.” The game is contested in individual, pairs or team formats, with the objective of placing one’s balls closest to the jack to score the highest number of points.
President of the Egyptian Boccia Federation Adam confirmed that the International Boccia Federation had commended Egypt for its successful hosting of the African Boccia Championship, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in South Korea.
Adam said he received high praise from the international federation for the organisation of the championship and extended thanks to all the organising committees, especially that of volunteers. He emphasised that the international federation also applauded the performance of the newest referees, as the tournament witnessed the participation of eight local referees who impressed everyone with their outstanding performance.
He noted that Dr Hassan Mustafa Sports Hall was the ideal venue for hosting boccia competitions, as it combines competition and training zones and accommodation in one location, making it exceptionally suitable for boccia athletes and reducing logistical challenges.
Adam added that no complaints were received from any of the participating delegations, expressing his satisfaction, “as this reflects the high-level organisation of the championship and enhances Egypt’s reputation as a premier host”. He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its continuous support of the sport.
He added that competition in Africa has become “extremely fierce” and that the championship featured remarkable and intense contests, reflecting the development of boccia across the continent. Despite the increased level of competition, Egypt still managed to achieve outstanding results in both individual and pairs categories.
Adam also addressed the players of the national team directly. “You fulfilled your responsibilities and more. We always aim for more medals because we’re ambitious, but you’ve done your part and exceeded expectations.”
He pointed out that the Egyptian national team continues to develop in both performance and results. Since its international debut in 2022, the team has progressed steadily from winning three medals in their first international appearance, to securing eight in the second, and now capping this continental event with 11 medals, a significant accomplishment for the team.
Adam also appealed to sponsors and business leaders to support the athletes, highlighting that the equipment used in boccia is very expensive and requires financial backing.
The African championship was entrusted to the Egyptian Boccia Federation under Adam’s leadership due to the international federation’s confidence in Egypt’s consistent ability to successfully organise major continental and international events.
Moreover, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi honoured the Egyptian boccia team’s delegation following their impressive performance at this, the third African championship.
During the meeting, the minister praised the team’s remarkable achievements. Out of 10 participating athletes, the national team secured a total of 11 medals: one gold, four silver, and six bronze. This success highlights the growing level and development of boccia in Egypt.
Sobhi expressed his pride in the players, noting that seven athletes had officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup in South Korea. He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to supporting Paralympic sports and providing full backing for athletes with disabilities, ensuring they continue to represent Egypt honorably on the international stage.
He added that this recognition aligns with the state’s strategy to support and celebrate outstanding athletes, particularly in specialised sports where Egypt continues to make notable progress and achieve significant results at both continental and global levels.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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