Egypt’s Paralympic delegation in Paris will be the largest in the country’s history and the biggest from Africa, with 45 athletes competing across 20 of the 22 events.
By Tuka Letura
Egypt is set to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, France, from 28 August to 8 September, marking its fourteenth appearance since its inaugural debut in 1972. As Africa’s second most decorated Paralympic nation, with 183 medals, including 49 golds, Egypt carries itself with pride.
The Tokyo 2020 Games were an uncharacteristic stumble for the North African nation, marking the end of Egypt’s 11-Games gold streak. This impressive run began at their second appearance and spanned 11 consecutive Paralympic Games. From Tokyo, Egypt could only bring home five silver medals and two bronze.
As the Paris Games draw near, the nation’s hopes rest on the shoulders of athletes who could restore Egypt to its rightful place atop the podium. Egypt’s Paralympic delegation in Paris will be the largest in the country’s history and the biggest from Africa, with 45 athletes competing across 20 of the 22 events.
This contingent of 33 men and 12 women will represent Egypt across various sports at the Paralympics. The real question is, who among them has what it takes to clinch gold and restore Egypt’s place on the Paralympic golden track?
In 2018, Para swimmer Zeyad Kahil set ambitious goals for himself. Competing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was the first milestone, which he successfully achieved. Next was the Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships, where he not only reached the finals in the men’s 200m freestyle S5 and 100m breaststroke SB4 but also set African records in both events.
As he looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Kahil’s sights are set even higher. While a bronze medal is within reach and is his goal, the real question is: what’s stopping him from aiming for gold?
Powerlifter Sherif Osman is another athlete who could help restore Egypt’s golden era in the Paralympics. In fact, he is responsible for three of Egypt’s 49 Paralympic gold medals.
Osman is a key figure in Egypt’s Paralympic history, having secured three gold medals for the nation—one-tenth of Egypt’s total in powerlifting. He has achieved a podium finish in each of the last four Paralympics, winning gold in the 56 kg category at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games. His golden streak continued in the 59 kg category at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Although he fell short of gold at Tokyo 2020, he still earned a silver medal in the 59 kg category.
His ambition doesn’t stop there. At 41 years old, he is aiming for more in Paris. A true legend in his sport, he has broken multiple world records and dreams of once again standing atop the podium, with gold.
The Egyptian men’s national sitting volleyball team won gold at the African Zone Championship in Lagos, Nigeria, securing their spot at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. They defeated Morocco 3-0 in the final to claim their 10th title and also took silver at the 2023 World Cup in Cairo.
They will be fighting for gold alongside seven-time gold medallists, Iran, who have also picked up at least a gold medal since the 1988 edition of the games, among many other strong contenders.
Finally, Malak Abdelshafi, who reached the final of the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB4 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is one to watch. She has spent much of her time recuperating and training to regain her form, and she could potentially cause a major upset.
The options are not limited; Egypt is a sports powerhouse in Africa, particularly in parasports. It would not be surprising if the gold comes from other athletes as well. Egypt will also be making its Paralympic debut in paracanoeing, rowing, and boccia (similar to lawn bowling), as well as its inaugural participation in table tennis with an athlete who has an intellectual disability.
The Egyptian Paralympic Committee President, Hossameddin Mustafa, expressed his well-wishes for the entire Egyptian delegation saying, “We hope to improve our medal count in Paris, especially after not securing a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The support and cheers from 110 million Egyptians will be invaluable as our Para athletes compete on the world stage”. Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, The Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, also hosted the Egyptian delegation before their travel to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
The Paris Paralympic Games, starts on the 28 August and will end on the 8 September 2024.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.