What do you currently do? 

I graduated from Loughborough University in July 2025 and I’m currently pursuing a PhD at Loughborough University in Para-Sport and Policy. Alongside my studies, I’m a para-badminton player representing Egypt in the SH6 category.

Tell us about your sporting background.

Sport has always been a very big part of my life, and it was something my parents made sure my siblings and I did. Growing up, I liked to try every sport I came across, including basketball, tennis, ice hockey, handball, football or anything else that was on offer. In school, I tried badminton out and decided to continue playing at my local club. The head coach of the academy in the club introduced me to para-badminton and I was able to participate in my first para-badminton tournament in 2017 at the Ulsan Para-Badminton World Championships (South Korea), becoming the first African and Arab to compete internationally. Since then, I’ve been lucky to be able to travel the world and compete representing my country.

What is your area of interest when it comes to accessing sport?

I truly believe that sport is a very powerful tool, so I’m very passionate about helping people find a path into sport and removing any barriers they may face. Sport is not just about the physical activity but the skills you build along the way, as well as recognising the different opportunities that exist within the world of sport if it is not directly playing a sport long term (i.e. Sport Business, coaching, etc.). So, for me, accessing sport is helping people realise their pathway into sport.

Why did you want to become a member of the Youth Board?

I came across the Youth Sport Trust through my university and, as I read about them, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I’m very passionate about sport development and advocacy, so the Youth Board was the perfect opportunity for that. Over the next two years, I look forward to being surrounded by a group of people who share a similar passion and drive, whilst learning from others and working together to make a change.

If you could change one thing about sport or physical activity for young people, what would that be?

I hope every young person finds a place for themselves in sport regardless of their ability. The notion that everyone needs to become an elite athlete is demotivating those who don’t want that path and just want to be active. Therefore, I’d like to see more opportunities for everyone, from grassroots all the way up to professional athletes.

Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.

For as long as I can remember, chocolate milk has been part of my life. When I was younger, we had to travel with boxes of chocolate milk because I was very selective about the brand I drank.