Marwan Tarek and Rowan Reda Araby are primed to defend their crowns
That Egypt is a powerhouse in squash is a well-known fact and the world’s top three players in both men’s and women’s sections are from the African nation. The system is honed to produce champions, with the junior programme in the Arab country being top class.
In fact, at the World junior squash championships to be held here from July 18 to 29, the top four seeds in boys and the top two in girls sections are Egyptians.
“It is nothing new,” said Haitham Ashoush, Egypt’s coach. “It didn’t happen overnight but is a culmination of hard work over the years. This is not the first time that we are on top in the world rankings.”
Haitham, a former PSA player, said it will not be easy for Egypt this time. Teams such as England, Malaysia and India have prepared well and it will be foolhardy to take them for granted, he said. “The Indian boys will be a surprise package. So will England and Malaysia. Egypt will be pushed,” said the 30-year-old.
Haitham said his target was to win all three gold medals in the World juniors. “We are keen to win the boys’ team, individual boys’ and girls’ titles,” he said.
In a huge upset, Egypt had lost to Pakistan in the boys’ team final in the previous edition in Poland (2016). “We have done our homework and we will do our best to regain the title. We are optimistic,” said Haitham. “The final [in 2016] was close. That day some of our players had an off-day. It happens.”
Top seeds Marwan Tarek and Rowan Reda Araby, in their last year as juniors, would want to bid goodbye by retaining their titles.
Training with Mohamed El Shorbagy has been back home has been a great source of strength for Marwan. “This is one thing you don’t find anywhere [else],” he said.
Rowan said she loves competing against her own people. “I enjoy it, but it’s tough playing against players from your own country. I might meet J. Shiha in the quarters,” said the 18-year-old, whose role model happens to be El Shorbagy.
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