Cairo, Egypt – In a landmark moment for Egyptian sports, Amna Eltarabolsy has shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female President of the Egyptian Squash Federation in December 2024. This achievement marks a significant step forward for gender equality in sports administration, both in Egypt and globally.
Eltarabolsy’s journey is one of dedication and passion for squash. A former professional player, she reached a career-high world ranking of 41 before retiring in 2006. Her commitment to the sport continued as she transitioned into coaching, earning a reputation as one of Egypt’s leading coaches. In 2018, she joined the Federation’s board, setting the stage for her historic presidency.
"Becoming the first female president of the Egyptian Squash Federation is an incredible honor," Eltarabolsy stated. "It's a moment of great pride and responsibility, and I hope it inspires more women to pursue leadership roles in sports."
Her election coincides with International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women's achievements and a call for gender equality. Eltarabolsy’s vision aligns perfectly with the 2025 theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasizing the need for swift and decisive steps towards gender parity.
"Encouraging more women to take up coaching and more girls to start playing is a key priority," she emphasized. Initiatives like the free coaching courses at Black Ball Sporting Club, supported by the PSA Foundation, are just the beginning. Eltarabolsy plans to expand these efforts through mentorship programs, scholarships for young players, and support for women in coaching and refereeing.
Beyond gender equality, Eltarabolsy is focused on strengthening the foundations of Egyptian squash. "My focus has been on supporting junior programs, enhancing the coaching structure, and working on international collaborations," she explained. "We are also looking at ways to increase funding and sponsorship opportunities."
Her experience as a professional player provides her with unique insights into the needs of athletes. "Having been a professional player gives me a deep understanding of what athletes need to succeed," she noted. "This perspective helps me make informed decisions that prioritize their well-being and success."
Looking ahead, Eltarabolsy is excited about the inclusion of squash in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "The inclusion of squash in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a game-changer," she said. "We are already working on plans to prepare our athletes for the highest level of competition."
Before the Olympics, Egypt will host the World Squash Junior Championships in July 2025, an event that holds special significance for Eltarabolsy, who was part of the championship-winning Egyptian team in 2003. "It’s incredibly exciting to host the World Junior Championships in Egypt again," she said. "This is a great opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent on home soil."
Eltarabolsy hopes her journey will inspire women and girls to pursue their dreams in squash and beyond. "If my achievements encourage even one young girl to believe that she can lead, compete, and succeed, then I consider that a success," she stated. "Representation is important, and I hope to use my position to create more opportunities for women in squash."
With her leadership, the Egyptian Squash Federation is poised to not only maintain its dominance in the sport but also to lead the way in promoting gender equality and inclusivity.
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