* * * * The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs honored on Sunday the Egyptian women's squash team that represented Egypt at the 2016 WSF World Team Squash Championships. The ceremony, held at the ministry's headquarters, honoured Nour El-Sherbiny, Omneya Abdel Kawy, Raneem El-Welily, and Nouran Gohar. All four athletes are also being given EGP 75,000. The team was awarded for their victory over the English team in the finals, snatching the gold and securing Egypt's third title in the championship. England has won the competition seven times: in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2006, and 2014. Egypt's previous victories were in 2008 and 2012. "Generally, Australia, and England are the winners of this championship," said Assem Kahlifa, president of the Egyptian Squash Association. "However, the Egyptian women's team did a great job and managed to win this year's edition." Australia has won the championship nine times: in 1981, 1983, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2010. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Abdel Aziz said Egypt is the most developed country in the world when it comes to squash, which is why the ministry is helping the federation in their push to have squash recognised as an Olympic sport, in order to have Egypt bring home more Olympic medals. Photos courtesy of Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs
