Egypts 2024: A Kingfut Annual Recap
The year 2024 has been a defining chapter in Egypts sports scene, with remarkable milestones across individual and team sports. Across the board, in multiple sports on both continental and global stages, from Olympic and Paralympic triumphs to football clubs dominating the continent and the national teams long awaited pick-me-up. Egyptian athletes have demonstrated dedication, skill, and a commitment to excellence. Paris Olympic Glory Ahmed Al-Gendi etched his name in history by becoming the first Egyptian and African athlete to win gold in modern pentathlon. Weightlifter Sara Ahmed Samir elevated her Olympic legacy, securing a silver medal in the 81 kg weightlifting event, adding to her bronze from the 2016 Rio Olympics. Egypt also made history by sending its largest-ever Olympic delegation, comprising 164 athletes, the largest delegation from both Africa and the Arab world. Paralympic Triumphs The Paralympics mirrored the Olympic success, with Egypt securing seven medals: two gold, two silver, and three bronze. Mohamed Al-Menyawi became the first Egyptian dwarf athlete to win gold a medal in powerlifting 59 kg. Rehab Ahmed clinched gold in powerlifting 55 kg. Mohamed Al-Elfat earned silver in the 88 kg category. Fatma Mahrous won silver in the 67 kg category. Bronze medals went to Safaa Hassan 79 kg and Nadia Fekri 86 kg. Egypts sitting volleyball team added to the glory by securing bronze after a thrilling win over Germany.
Football Dominance Egypts senior national team qualified early for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, securing maximum points in their first four games under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Hossam Hassan. In the Paris Olympics, the national team reached the semi-finals for the first time in 60 years. The Pharoahs had their ups and downs in the competition. Notably, the team beat Spain to finish at top of their group, before an impressive win against Paraguay in the quarter finals. On the club level, Al Ahly emerged victorious in the CAF Champions League and the Egyptian Premier League. To top it off, the Red Devils secured their treble by winning Egyptian Super Cup. Zamalek SC added to domestic clubs success by winning the African Super Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.
On the womens side, FC Masar made history with a bronze medal in their debut at the African Women's Champions League. Individually, Mohamed Salah celebrated his 100th international appearance, and ended the year with the most goal contributions in Europes top five leagues. Omar Marmoush has enjoyed his meteoric rise to international stardom in the second half of the year. The young forwar stood out by ranking among the top 10 goal contributors in Europes top five leagues as well.
Handball Achievements Egypt started the year by winning the African Championship title after defeating Algeria. At the club level, Al Ahly SC won their 7 th African Championship, maintaining their continental dominance. Al Ahly also won the bronze medal in IHF Super Globe. Squash Domination Nouran Gohar claimed her first-ever PSA Women's World Championship title, defeating fellow Egyptian Nour El Sherbini. Hania El Hammamy finished in fourth place in the same competition. Nouran Gohar and Mostafa Asal won gold at the 2024 British Open. Egypt also reaffirmed its global dominance in the sport by winning the WSF World Squash Team Championships in both the mens and womens categories.
Tennis Milestones Mayar Sherif reached the third round of the Madrid Open, She also reached six international finals, claiming runner up in the Catalonia Open, Emilia-Romagna Open, Morocco Open, Makarska International, and the Grand Est. 88 Open. Mayar won her sixth final of 2024, clinching the WTA Argentina Open trophy. Table Tennis Rising star Hana Goda made history by securing a bronze medal at the Table Tennis World Junior Championships. From the grand arenas of Paris to international, continental, and domestic championships, 2024 has by all means been a busy year for Egyptians in sports. As Egyptian athletes looks forward to a new year, athletes and fans alike will be hoping for more ups and less downs in 2025.