Minister of Youth and Sports Witnesses Signing of Protocol for FISU World University Championship Finswimming 2026 in Sharm El-Sheikh

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the African University Sports Federation (FASU), witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Egyptian Diving and Lifesaving Federation (EDLF) and the Egyptian University Sports Federation (EUSF). This agreement marks the commencement of preparations for hosting the FISU World University Championship Finswimming 2026, set to take place in Sharm El-Sheikh from April 8–12, 2026, with participants expected from over 20 countries across several continents.

The championship is held under the auspices of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of the EUSF. The event is being organized under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Ragheb, Assistant Minister of Higher Education for Student Life and Vice President of the EUSF; Captain Sameh El-Shazly, President of the EDLF; and Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdi, Secretary-General of the EUSF.

The protocol was signed by Dr. Ahmed Ragheb (representing the EUSF) and Captain Sameh El-Shazly (representing the EDLF). The ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including Major General Haitham Gaafar, Board Member of the EDLF; Dr. Hazem El-Roubi, Tournament Director; Mr. Yousry Abdel Fattah, Executive Director of the EDLF; and Dr. Mamdouh Sayed Ahmed, Executive Director of the EUSF.

In his keynote address, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy emphasized that this protocol is a cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy to empower Egyptian universities and sports federations. He stated that hosting such a prestigious global event in Sharm El-Sheikh underscores the international community’s confidence in Egypt’s world-class infrastructure and its proven track record in organizing elite sporting events.

The Minister further noted:

“Organizing these championships transcends the field of play; it is a vital driver for Sports Tourism and the local economy in Sharm El-Sheikh. By welcoming global delegations, we reinforce Egypt’s status as a premier destination for international sports.”

Furthermore, Dr. Sobhy highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to university sports as a primary pipeline for talent discovery, noting that collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education aims to expand the base of athletic participation in line with the state’s “Human Development” vision.

Captain Sameh El-Shazly, President of the EDLF, reported that a technical delegation from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the World Underwater Federation (CMAS) recently conducted an inspection visit in Sharm El-Sheikh. The delegation visited the Olympic swimming pool at the Sports City, the Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital to review medical emergency protocols, and the designated accommodation facilities. He confirmed that the delegation lauded the city’s readiness and the meticulous planning involved.

Dr. Ahmed Ragheb praised the synergy between state institutions, noting that the championship will serve as a platform to showcase the administrative and organizational capabilities of Egyptian youth on a global stage.

The hosting of the FISU World University Championship Finswimming 2026 aligns with Egypt’s national vision to establish universities as hubs for creative and athletic excellence, positioning Egypt prominently on the global university sports map as part of the “Sports as a Lifestyle” initiative and the nation’s “Soft Power” strategy.