Tokyo marked Egypt's most successful Olympic outing to date, securing six medals of various hues (one gold, one silver, and four bronze).

Yasser Idriss, President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, revealed that Egypt is eyeing a higher medal count than Tokyo, while the Minister of Sports, Ashraf Sobhi, expressed optimism about the country's prospects, predicting a potential haul of six to ten medals.

"We are well-prepared for these Olympics," Sobhi told Al-Ahram Hebdo.

"Egypt has invested significantly in our athletes, with approximately 1.52 billion EGP ($36.6 million) allocated over the past three years to enhance their training and preparation following the Tokyo Olympics."

Weightlifter Sara Samir stands out as Egypt's top medal contender, competing in the (81 Kg) category.

Samir, a 2023 World Champion, clinched bronze in Rio de Janeiro 2016 but missed Tokyo due to the Egyptian Weightlifting Federation's suspension.

Karim Abou Kahla, another medal hopeful, secured gold in the 2023 World Championships in the (89 Kg) category.

While karate was excluded from this Olympics, Egyptian weightlifters are expected to step in as strong contenders.

Pentathlon silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, Ahmed Elgendy, is also a key contender this year, despite battling a shoulder injury.

Elgendy aims to outperform his Tokyo performance or at least repeat his previous achievements.

"My primary target is to win gold, but I will also be happy if I win a silver or bronze as it will mark a second successive Olympic medal." Elgendy told Reuters.

He is chosen as Egypt's flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday alongside Sara Samir.

The Egyptian delegation includes notable athletes such as Taekwondo practitioner Seif Issa (80 Kg), wrestler Mohamed 'Kesho' Ibrahim El-Sayed (67 Kg), shooter Azmi Mehilba, and fencer Ziad El-Sissi, among others.

In his fourth Olympic appearance, 2022 World Champion Mehelba aspires to claim his first Olympic medal, while El-Sissi made history by securing the top spot in the 2024 world rankings, a first in Egyptian, Arab, and African fencing history.

Additionally, promising athletes like fencer Mohamad El-Sayed, Mohannad Shaaban (Pentathlon), and diver Maha Amer could potentially spring surprises at the games.

In team events, Egypt's handball team aspires to secure a medal, with a strong lineup featuring players like Yehya Khaled, Yehya El-Deraa, Ahmed Hisham, and Ali Zein.

The U-23 football team, coached by Rogerio Micale winner of the gold medal with Brazil in Rio 2016, hopes to make history for the country.

While Egypt also competes in team events such as volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, and artistic swimming, the prospects in these disciplines appear very slim.

Check Team Egypt squad

Check Team Egypt schedule and results 

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)