Egypt is set to shine on the international hockey scene as it prepares to host the Men’s and Women’s Hockey Africa Cup of Nations this October.
The tournament, a critical qualifier for the Hockey World Cup, will bring together 13 senior men’s and women’s teams from across the continent.
The event is more than just a competition. It is a major opportunity to showcase Egypt’s expanding role as an international hub for hosting international tournaments.
Final preparations for the tournament, scheduled for October 12-18, were the subject of a recent meeting between Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhi, and Head of the Egyptian Hockey Federation, Maj. Gen. Ashraf Farahat.
The Men’s and Women’s Hockey Africa Cup of Nations is an important chance to demonstrate Egypt’s renowned organizational capabilities, building on a track record of successfully hosting major sporting events.
The tournament will likely strengthen Egypt’s position on the continental and international levels within the sport of hockey.
The significance of the event is underscored by the planned visit of the President of the International Hockey Federation, who will be in Egypt for both the tournament and the International Hockey Federation’s General Assembly which will be held concurrently.
This visit is viewed as a reflection of Egypt’s growing influence in the global hockey community, amid expectations that it will provide a platform for high-level discussions on developing the game within the country.
When it comes to hockey in Africa, Egypt holds a special place.
The nation has not only been a long-time competitor but has also played a crucial role in the development of the sport on the continent.
With a history that includes hosting the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations and producing one of the most decorated teams in the world, namely Sharqiya,Egypt’s hosting of the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Hockey Africa Cup of Nations is a return to form and a statement of intent.
Egypt’s connection to the African Hockey Championship goes back to the very beginning.
The country hosted the first-ever men’s tournament in Cairo in 1974. Egypt has since hosted the event on several occasions, including in 1983 (also in Cairo) and most recently in 2017 in Ismailia.
The Egyptian men’s national team has a strong history in the competition, having won the title twice, in 1983 and 1989. While South Africa has dominated the tournament in recent decades, Egypt has consistently been a formidable opponent, finishing as runners-up on seven different occasions. This track record of consistently reaching the final shows a high level of performance and a determined spirit.
Sharqiya Club is a true powerhouse, holding a Guinness World Record for winning the African Club Championship an incredible 28 times.
Some people view this as a testament to the strong club culture and player development system that exists within the country.
Sharqiya’s dominance is a source of national pride and a clear indicator of the talent pool available to the national team.
The upcoming tournament is, meanwhile, seen as a chance for Egypt’s national teams to compete for the ultimate prize: a spot in the World Cup.
The men’s team, with its history of strong performances, will be looking to overcome its recent string of second-place finishes and secure the coveted qualification spot.
For the women’s team, which has shown steady improvement, the tournament is also an opportunity to make a breakthrough and rise in continental rankings.
