Ascending to the pinnacle of international sports governance, Al-Hassan Sedki has been elected president of the Players’ Commission of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), marking the first time an Egyptian has been chosen to lead this prestigious global athlete body. By virtue of his presidency, Sedki also secures a historic seat on the IWBF board of directors.
The landmark election took place during the inaugural meeting of the newly-constituted commission at the iconic Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland. Convening player representatives from across the globe, the summit was held with the strategic support of a dedicated development grant from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
The newly-minted commission features a diverse, elite cohort of eight athlete representatives spanning all geographical zones of the IWBF, including Sedki (Egypt), Mariska Beijer (Netherlands), Kady Dandeneau (Canada), James MacSorley (Great Britain), Hannah Dodd (Australia), John Boie (USA), Hiroki Kozai (Japan), and Michelle Moganedi (South Africa). In a move designed to foster collective leadership and global synergy, the commission elected Sedki to the helm, while Beijer and Dandeneau were chosen to share the responsibilities of vice president.
This appointment stands as the crowning achievement of Sedki’s distinguished athletic and administrative career. Having earned the universal trust of his international peers, he is now tasked with spearheading the body responsible for amplifying the athlete’s voice, safeguarding player welfare, and directly participating in the formulation of global policies that will govern the future of the sport.
IWBF Secretary-General Gabrielle Zangenfeind underscored the critical institutional weight of the commission, noting that the Players’ Commission remains an indispensable cornerstone of the federation’s ecosystem. Zangenfeind emphasised that the inaugural session succeeded in forging a unified vision among the new members and crystallising the strategic priorities for the upcoming cycle.
Expressing his profound gratitude for the international confidence reposed in him, Sedki embraced the weight of his new mandate, stating that it was a “tremendous honour” to be elected president of the IWBF Players’ Commission. He noted that wheelchair basketball completely transformed his life, and expressed his deep commitment to ensuring that the players’ voices resonate at every tier of decision-making within the international federation, while simultaneously expanding the commission’s visibility and fostering the global evolution of the game.
As Egyptian sports administrators continue to establish a commanding presence within international governing bodies, the new commission is set to roll out a comprehensive strategic plan. Moving forward, the council will focus on enhancing direct lines of communication with athletes, institutionalising player feedback in executive decisions, and driving the global expansion and accessibility of wheelchair basketball.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 30 July, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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