Cairo: Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy announced that Egypt's youth and sports sectors have undergone an unprecedented transformation under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, as part of a comprehensive development plan focusing on building human capital and upgrading national infrastructure.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Sobhy remarked that his ministry has implemented an integrated policy aimed at maximizing the efficient use of sports facilities, supporting athletes across all disciplines and age groups, and offering services that align with citizens' expectations. Sobhy emphasized that these initiatives contribute to improving public health, combating extremist ideologies, fostering talent, and nurturing generations capable of achieving their ambitions.
The minister highlighted that these achievements are a direct reflection of the political leadership's vision, noting that Egyptian sports have gained a significant presence in international tournaments and events. He attributed this progress to major upgrades in activity programs, extensive construction initiatives, increased investment opportunities, and a broader base of sports participation, along with support for the presidential 'Haya Karima' (Decent Life) initiative.
Sobhy explained that the ministry is executing a comprehensive strategy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, Egypt Vision 2030, and the government's action program. This strategy focuses on enhancing cultural and scientific awareness, unlocking creative potential, discovering and nurturing talented individuals, developing elite sports, boosting international participation, and promoting youth engagement in collective and voluntary work.
The ministry currently oversees 6,430 youth and sports facilities nationwide, including youth centers, clubs, activity halls, stadiums, youth and sports cities and camps, sports development centers, swimming pools, and innovation and learning centers. In recent years, Egypt has built over 4,282 football pitches, developed and constructed 12 youth and sports cities, renovated 14 stadiums, and built or upgraded 14 indoor sports halls, including four that hosted the World Handball Championship. Additionally, the ministry has established 30 innovation and learning centers, built or upgraded 191 swimming pools, enhanced sports medicine units, supported clubs for athletes with disabilities, launched the 'Nadi El Nadi' club chain, and upgraded the national teams' training center in Maadi. Nearly 897 facilities were developed in 2025 alone.
Under the 'Haya Karima' initiative, Sobhy highlighted the significant expansion of youth-related projects. During the first phase, 1,039 youth centers were built or upgraded, with 266 new centers established. In the second phase, 760 youth centers are being developed through 2025.
On the investment front, Sobhy stated that total spending on youth and sports infrastructure over the past six years through 2025 reached approximately EGP 54 billion, including EGP 9.2 billion invested in the current year alone. He added that large-scale development projects are underway at youth centers across all governorates, particularly in border regions. Among these is the construction of a fully integrated sports complex at Shalateen Club in the Red Sea governorate, aimed at providing a modern and supportive sports environment for young people in those areas.