Minister of Higher Education Affirms:
• The importance of optimal preparations for hosting the 2026 African University Games in a manner befitting Egypt’s status
• Political leadership support strengthens Egypt’s leadership in hosting major sporting events
• Egypt continues to consolidate its leadership in hosting African championships
• Developing university sports to prepare a generation capable of competing locally and internationally
• The importance of establishing an integrated health and fitness system within Egyptian universities
President of the African University Sports Federation Praises Preparations for the African University Games and Affirms Egypt’s Ability to Organize Major Events
The Board of Directors of the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation held a meeting chaired by Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of the Federation’s Board of Directors, in the presence of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, President of the African University Sports Federation, member of the Universities Sports Federation, and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdy, Secretary-General of the Federation, along with the members of the Board, at the Ministry of Higher Education headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister welcomed Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, praising his role in supporting and developing university sports and enhancing cooperation in this field, contributing to the advancement of the sports system at both the university and regional levels.
The Minister emphasized the importance of thorough preparations for hosting the 2026 African University Games, scheduled to be held from August 9 to 16, in a manner befitting Egypt’s name and status. He pointed to the country’s extensive organizational expertise and advanced sports infrastructure, which reinforce international confidence in Egypt’s ability to host major sporting events, particularly in light of the strong support provided by the political leadership to the youth and sports sectors, and the role of sports as a bridge for rapprochement between peoples.
Dr. Konsowa highlighted the importance of developing the university sports system to help prepare a generation of athletes capable of competing locally and internationally, through strengthening the role of universities in developing students athletically and culturally, refining their talents, and enhancing their skills across various fields, making Egyptian universities a hub for discovering talents and producing champions who represent Egypt in different international forums.
The Minister also noted that the Ministry of Higher Education’s interest in sports activities stems from their role in developing students’ physical and psychological skills and building well-rounded personalities. He called on universities and institutes to support sports and creativity alongside the educational and research process and directed the intensification of activities during the summer vacation period, as well as strengthening cooperation with regional and international federations within the framework of the state’s international cooperation strategy.
Dr. Konsowa directed the Universities Sports Federation to intensify efforts within national projects aimed at improving physical fitness through measuring obesity rates and body composition among students within a comprehensive assessment system, in cooperation with university hospitals. This would contribute to enhancing public health and establishing a fitness map within universities, alongside plans to establish specialized obesity treatment centers at each university.
For his part, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa for the efforts exerted in preparing for the African University Games, affirming that the ongoing preparations and organization reflect the state’s seriousness and commitment to ensuring the success of this continental event in a manner befitting Egypt’s name and standing.
The Council also extended its sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ahmed Ragheb, Assistant Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Student Life and former Vice President of the Federation, in recognition of his efforts during the past period.
The Council approved authorizing Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdy, Secretary-General of the Universities Sports Federation, to act as Vice President of the Egyptian Universities Sports Federation in addition to his current duties.
The Council discussed ongoing preparations for hosting the 2026 African University Games and finalized the organizational plan through coordination among various committees to ensure the event is presented in a manner worthy of Egypt’s name and status regionally and internationally. The championship is expected to witness broad participation from African universities, enhancing competitiveness and communication among the continent’s youth and supporting the objectives of developing university sports as a platform for discovering talents and producing future champions. Preparations are proceeding according to a precise timeline covering organizational, technical, and logistical aspects in cooperation with the Ministries of Higher Education and Youth and Sports, as well as all relevant universities and institutions.
The Council also discussed the universities’ sports activity plan for the 2026/2027 academic year. In this regard, the Minister stressed the importance of establishing clear and systematic mechanisms for discovering and nurturing talented students by strengthening cooperation between the Universities Sports Federation and university sports centers, thereby contributing to the development of an integrated system for identifying, refining, and optimally supporting talents.
During the meeting, the Council reviewed a detailed report on the activities implemented during the 53rd edition of the Egyptian Universities and Higher Institutes League. The Council praised the efforts exerted by the organizing committee and everyone who contributed to the success of the edition, emphasizing the importance of the league’s activities in promoting university sports, discovering athletic talents, and refining students’ skills, while stressing the need to continue developing and improving the competition in all aspects.
