Squash was first introduced to Cairo during the colonial era, but it quickly grew into a national obsession. Over time, Egypt didn’t just adopt the sport; it reshaped it into one of its greatest success stories. Egyptian players haven’t simply taken part in squash history; they’ve been defining it for decades, turning the country into the undisputed powerhouse of the global game. Here’s how Egypt went on to dominate the world of squash.
From British Courts to Cairo’s First Swing
Squash arrived in Egypt in the early 1930s when British soldiers introduced the game and built the first courts in Cairo. What could have remained a niche colonial sport quickly surprisingly took root. Egyptians embraced the fast-paced, technical game with enthusiasm, and within a short time, local talent began to emerge.
One of the earliest stars was Egyptian diplomat Amr Bey, a former tennis and polo player who adapted effortlessly to squash. His breakthrough came in 1933 when he won the British Open title, a feat he would repeat five more times. Bey’s legacy was later cemented in 2009 when he was posthumously honored with the World Squash Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing him as one of the sport’s true pioneers.
The Rise of an Egyptian Squash Dynasty
While Egypt had early sparks of success, the real turning point came in the early 2000s. From that period onward, Egyptian players began to dominate international squash with remarkable consistency. Names like Amr Shabana, Ramy Ashour, Nour El Sherbini, and Ali Farag became synonymous with excellence, artistry, and dominance on court.
Since 2003, Egyptian men alone have claimed the world championship title 14 times, with current world No. 1 Ali Farag contributing four of those victories. On the women’s side, Egypt’s dominance has been just as strong, with champions repeatedly emerging from the same pipeline of talent.
A Clean Sweep on the Junior Stage
At the 2024 British Junior Open, one of the most prestigious junior squash tournaments in the world, Egyptian players achieved a clean sweep.
Every age category was won by an Egyptian athlete. From the under-11 divisions to the under-19 finals, both boys and girls’ titles went to Egypt, showcasing not just individual brilliance but a deeply rooted system of talent development that continues to outpace the rest of the world.
A Small System Producing Giant Talent
Despite its global dominance, squash in Egypt operates on a surprisingly small scale. According to The New York Times, the country has around 400 courts and fewer than 10,000 registered players. In contrast, the United States has roughly 1.7 million players and about 3,500 courts, while England counts around 200,000 players.
Most of Egypt’s top players train in a small number of clubs in Cairo and Alexandria. These hubs create an intense environment where young players regularly train alongside champions, learn from top coaches, and are constantly exposed to world-class competition.
The Pyramids as a Global Stage
Today, Egypt’s connection to squash goes beyond training halls and club courts. Some of the sport’s most prestigious international tournaments are now hosted in breathtaking settings at the foot of the Giza pyramids.
Egypt is now seen not just as a dominant force in squash, but as the sport’s cultural home. With history, talent, and infrastructure all coming together in one place, squash in Egypt has grown beyond competition alone; it has become part of the nation’s identity.
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