Egyptian prowess

It is no accident that Egypt has emerged as a powerhouse in squash over the past decade

Nour El Sherbini plays a shot. AFP

Egyptian squash player Nour El Sherbini, 21, who became the youngest women’s world champion of all time last year, defended her title this week by defeating Raneem El Welily. Both are Egyptian – the championship was also contested on Egyptian squash courts –underlining the Arab nation’s dominance of the racket sport. Egyptian players occupy six spots in the top 10 on the official men’s squash world rankings. In the women’s rankings, Egypt’s women take three spots in the top five.

From quality comes quantity and Egyptian squash has undoubtedly flourished on this principle, with veteran players inspiring newcomers through their experience and achievements.

El Sherbini’s triumph and her country’s broader stranglehold on the squash rankings may also provide a lesson for the rest of the region. Squash is, after all, a perfect pursuit all year round, regardless of the weather conditions. Shouldn’t we be encouraging more people to play the game?