The Egyptian rowing team returned to Cairo on Saturday, October 3, 2026, after participating in the African Rowing Championships in Tunisia. The team achieved impressive results, winning 5 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal. Upon their arrival at Cairo International Airport, the team was greeted with a warm welcome from family members, airport staff, and fans, celebrating the team's outstanding performance.
The Egyptian Rowing Federation's head of protocol and partnerships, Captain Walid Abdel Monem, was present to receive the team and congratulate the athletes, technical staff, and administrative personnel on their achievements. The team's success was notable, given the limited number of participants, with only 6 athletes representing Egypt. The team's strategy focuses on quality over quantity, with careful selection and evaluation in coordination with the technical staff.
According to Lieutenant General Sherif El-Qamati, President of the Egyptian and Arab Rowing Federation, and Secretary of the Olympic Committee, the team's achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of the federation's strategy. The team comprised 6 athletes, including 2 in the open category, 2 from the junior category, and 2 from the youth category. All participants succeeded in winning medals and standing on the podium, which aligns with the federation's goals.
El-Qamati emphasized that the federation's policy of selective participation serves as an incentive for athletes to exert maximum effort and creates a competitive atmosphere among different elements for the main positions. The federation also focuses on integrating young athletes with experienced ones, ensuring communication between generations and sustaining the rowing team's success. He praised Abdel Khalek El-Banna, who won two gold medals, as a role model for young athletes.
The integration of young and experienced athletes is a key aspect of the federation's strategy, allowing for the transfer of knowledge and expertise. This approach has contributed to the team's success, with all participants winning medals. The federation's efforts to prepare a new generation of athletes capable of continuing Egypt's rowing legacy are ongoing.
The African Rowing Championships provided a valuable opportunity for Egyptian athletes to compete against top-level opponents. The team's achievements demonstrate the country's rowing potential and its ability to compete at the continental level. The federation's focus on developing young athletes and promoting rowing in Egypt is expected to yield long-term benefits.
The Egyptian rowing team's success in the African Championships is a positive indicator of the sport's growth in the country. With a renewed focus on selective participation and athlete development, the team is poised to achieve even greater success in future competitions. The team's return to Cairo was marked by a celebratory atmosphere, with fans and officials alike congratulating the athletes on their impressive performance.
Key points
- The Egyptian rowing team won a total of 8 medals, including 5 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze, at the African Rowing Championships in Tunisia.
