Egypt has acquired a distinguished reputation as a host of major international sports events.
It hosted, for instance, the African Football Cup of Nations in 2019, considered the best edition since the start of the continental tournament in 1957.
In 2021, The World Men’s Handball Championship was perfectly organised in Egypt as well. The World Gymnastics Championship was organised here, too.
Asserting its pioneering position on the world’s sports map, Egypt hosted the Basketball Clubs World Cup between February 11 and 13.
This was the first time an African country organized the competition – also known as FIBA Intercontinental Cup – since its inception in 1966.
This was not the first time, however, for Egypt to host an international basketball competition.
The Arab country hosted the FIBA under 19 World Cup before.
Four teams participated in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, namely Zamalek, which represented Egypt and Africa; NBA Gatorade League (G League) Champions Lakeland Magic, which represented North America; Flamengo, which represented Brazil and South America; and San Pablo Burgos, which represented Spain and Europe.
Flamengo grabbed the title after beating San Pablo Burgos75-62 in the final match. It lifted its first trophy in 2014.
Flamengo made its way to the final of the competition by beating Lakeland Magic 94-71.
Meanwhile, Zamalek was highly expected to advance in the contest and become the first African club to win a game in the competition’s history, taking advantage of playing at home and among its fans.
Nevertheless, the team lost its first match to San Pablo Burgos 78-61. It missed the chance to come in third place after its defeat against Lakeland Magic 113-78.
Egypt was awarded the framed letter of affiliation of the Egyptian Basketball Federation into FIBA from 1934, in recognition of its perfect organization of the competition.
Obviously, Egypt has been making a quantum leap in the sports sector, including by making noticeable progress in sports infrastructure and facilities. This infrastructure and these facilities are helping it gain international trust.
Such trust encouraged Egypt to apply to host the 2035 Olympics.
“Egypt intends to request hosting the 2036 Olympic Games,” Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi revealed.
Egypt submitted requests to host the Olympics four times, namely in 1916, 1936, 1940 and 2008. Nonetheless, it had never been selected as a venue for the games.
Egypt’s chances are now stronger than ever before, given the great experience it has acquired, having hosted all the aforementioned big events.
Egypt’s candidacy to host the 2036 Olympics will be supported by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, which pledged to stand by the Egyptian file before the International Olympic Committee.
