How Meshref, Elghobashy Henfy and El Saiy - Are Shaping the Future of Youth.

The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) stand as one of the most significant sporting events, specifically designed to help young athletes shape their future vision. By experiencing this unique event, they are placed firmly on the right track toward the Olympic path.

This time, all eyes will turn to Africa, which will host this major event for the first time in history. The city of Dakar, Senegal, is set to welcome 2,700 young athletes (aged 14 to 17) from October 31^st to November 13^th this year. Since its inception in 2010, the YOG has been held three times: first in Singapore in 2010, then in Nanjing in 2014, and Buenos Aires in 2018.

As always, Sports & Fitness magazine has provided comprehensive coverage of all previous editions. However, this time, we are stepping off the court to highlight four unique champs who will participate in this event as Athletes Role Models (ARM), a programme launched at the first Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. The Athlete Role Model programme has become a cornerstone of the YOG. It is uniquely designed to connect emerging talents with seasoned sporting figures in a personal, educational setting. For Dakar 2026, a total of 36 ARMs, including multiple Olympic champions and medallists, have been invited to inspire the next generation. Among this distinguished group, there will be four Egyptian champs: table tennis star Dina Meshref, beach volleyball player Doaa Elghobashy, Modern Pentathlon Star Yasser Hefny and Joumana El Saiy, a rising star in shooting. Let’s get to know them.

Dina Meshref - The Africa Tennis Table Queen

Dina Alaa Meshref is the queen of African table tennis and a huge name in the world of Egyptian, Arab, and African female sports, particularly in table tennis. She has competed in four Olympic Games, one of only three Egyptian female athletes to do so, along with the fencing star Shaimaa El-Gammal and the judo star Heba Hefny. 

Dina was raised in a family deeply rooted in table tennis; with parents who were champions themselves, she was immersed in an environment that played a big role in shaping the athlete she is today. Through years of relentless hard work, she has captured numerous global and continental titles, maintaining a firm grip on African table tennis. Her decorated career includes three African Games singles titles and a historic gold medal in the Mediterranean Games in Tarragona. Throughout the longest and most consistent career for any African female table tennis player, she has dominated the African titles and the African rankings through almost three Olympic cycles, cementing her status as a true legend of the game. 

- Regarding the Egyptian context, how do you view the landscape of professional sports for those past school age, especially for athletes who find it difficult to continue without a sustainable income?

I believe the key issue in Egypt is the lack of a structured, sustainable system for athletes beyond school age. There isn’t enough institutional support to fully take care of their training, education, and financial stability. Models like sports schools or integrated athlete programs are very much needed. If we look at top-performing countries, they tend to have strong, well-organised systems that support athletes holistically, not just in terms of performance, but also their education, career planning, and income. In table tennis, for example, many athletes rely on playing in European leagues to secure a stable income. While there is a domestic league in Egypt and some clubs do pay players, opportunities are limited and cannot accommodate all talented athletes. This highlights the gap in sustainable local pathways; without broader support, continuing a professional career often becomes financially unviable.

- What advice would you give to young female athletes who are currently navigating challenges or obstacles in their sporting journeys?

I would encourage young female athletes to stay open to learning from the best systems available, especially from Asian countries, which have set the standard in table tennis for many years. There is a lot to gain from observing how they train, their discipline, attention to detail, and daily habits. At the same time, opportunities such as European leagues can be very valuable, not only financially, but also for exposure and experience. If managed well, especially with the possibility of living and training there, they can support both short-term stability and long-term development.

Most importantly, stay patient and think long-term. Make choices that serve your growth, not just immediate results, and keep building your path step by step. 

- Would you like to tell us something else?

I truly believe in the capabilities and talent of Egyptians. We have immense potential, and when we believe in ourselves, we can achieve far more than we sometimes expect.

- Thanks, Dina, for your time during this busy time.

Thanks, Ahmed and thank you to Sports & Fitness magazine.

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Doaa Elghobashy - The Unstoppable Champ

Doaa Tawfeek Elghobashy, a beach volleyball star and a mother, is a great icon in her sport. Alongside her teammate Nada Meawad, they made history as part of the first-ever Egyptian team to compete at the Olympic Beach Volleyball at Rio 2016. In a sport where the traditional uniform is the bikini, Doaa and Nada sparked the global conversation and a cultural awakening by competing in both long sleeves and pants, and Doaa in hijab as well, proving that sport is a place for all backgrounds. Her legacy of excellence continued as she dominated the African stage, winning gold medals at the African Games in Rabat 2019 and Accra 2023, while representing Egypt at two Olympic Games: Rio 2016 and Paris 2024. With two African Games titles and five African championship crowns to her name, she has firmly established herself as one of the most accomplished volleyball players in Egyptian history. 

Recently, as a testament to her inspiring journey, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has selected Doaa Elghobashy to join a great group of Olympians as an Athlete Role Model (ARM) for the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Senegal. Doaa will play a pivotal role beyond the court; she is set to mentor young athletes, leading workshops and sharing her wealth of experience to help shape the future of global sports. Let’s dive deeper into Doaa’s extraordinary trajectory and explore how this selection marks a new chapter in her legacy as a leader and a beacon of inspiration.

- How is your athletic career progressing at the moment, and what are you working on for the coming period?

My athletic career is progressing well. I’ve been focused on maintaining my performance and staying consistent, especially with upcoming competitions. Recently, becoming a mother has given me an even bigger purpose. I want my son to grow up and be proud of me, and that motivates me to keep playing and competing until the day he can come and cheer for me.

- How do you feel about being selected as a role model for the YOG?

Being selected as a role model for the Youth Olympic Games is truly an honour. I feel proud and grateful for this opportunity to represent not only myself but also my country and to inspire younger athletes. 

- In your opinion, what was the primary reason behind your selection for this honoured role?

I believe my journey, with all its challenges and achievements, is one of the main reasons behind my selection. Staying committed, overcoming difficulties, and representing my sport with passion played a big part.  

- How do you plan to leverage this position to inspire others or make an impact?

Through this role, I hope to share my experience, motivate young athletes to believe in themselves, and show them that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their goals.

- You participated in your first Olympic Games in Rio; looking back, how did that experience influence the rest of your career?

Participating in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games was one of the best and most important moments in my life. It was a dream come true to compete at the Olympics, and it was even more meaningful for me to be part of a change in beach volleyball by competing in a hijab. I was proud to be one of the first Arab athletes to do that, representing not only myself but many girls who see themselves in this journey. 

- Looking back, it was remarkable to see you competing in a hijab in a sport where the standard uniform is typically a bikini. How did you find that decision?

For me, every athlete has the right to compete in what makes them feel comfortable. Just because we play a certain sport doesn’t mean we have to wear something that doesn’t reflect who we are or our beliefs. Our clothing is part of our identity, including our cultural and religious values, and that should always be respected.

- Did the decision to wear the hijab affect your professional career or the opportunities available to you?

At the end of the day, we are athletes, not fashion models. What truly matters is performance, passion, and dedication. Sport brings together different cultures, and that diversity is something we should celebrate, not limit.

- What advice would you give to young girls who are considering making a similar decision regarding their uniform in sports?

My advice to any young athlete is to focus on your goals, believe in yourself, and choose what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Play the sport you love, be proud of who you are, and never let anything stop you from doing what you love.

Thank you, Champ, and wish you all the best!

Thanks to you, too and to Sports & Fitness magazine.

Yasser Henfy – The Ultimate Experience

Yasser Hefny is the current Sporting Director of the Egyptian Modern Pentathlon National Teams and was named the World's Best Coach in 2025. He is recognised as one of Egypt's and the world’s most prominent modern pentathlon athletes. Throughout his career, he achieved numerous milestones, including winning the U19 World Championships in 2005 and 2007. This extensive experience, particularly with youth categories, uniquely positions him to support and inspire the YOG athletes. Additionally, Yasser secured several prestigious titles, such as the 2011 African Championship, and represented Egypt at the London 2012 Olympics.

How excited are you to be going to Dakar 2026 as an ARM?

Definitely, I am super excited! I have not been into YOG before, but being in London 2012 made me understand how the multisport event will be. I could imagine how great this event is, and witness the YOG being in Africa for the first time. I am incredibly eager to experience the unique atmosphere of the Youth Olympic Games. Dakar 2026 is going to be historic, and I can’t wait to be right in the middle of it. 

-In your opinion, what was the primary reason behind your selection for this honoured role?

To seize this fantastic opportunity and to relive the Olympic spirit from a new perspective, connect with the next generation of athletes, and inspire them to chase their dreams. Having transitioned from a U19 World Champion to an Olympian and African Champion, I want to show these young athletes that their potential is limitless, both inside and outside the sporting arena.  

What does this opportunity mean to you personally?

It is a massive honour to be part of the Athlete Role Model team. Being trusted and selected for this role means a lot to me personally because it aligns perfectly with my life's work as a coach and Sporting Director. The time of the event works perfectly for me during the season. It is a profound responsibility to guide, protect, and inspire the next generation of global champions, and it’s a challenge, and as usual, I welcome it with open arms.

If you could go back to the start of your career, what words of advice would you give to your younger self?

There is a big difference between my era and today, sport, training, technology and the opportunities are totally different from before, but I would tell my younger self to trust the journey, enjoy every single step of the process, and truly appreciate every opportunity. Success doesn't happen overnight; it’s a long journey, and every step is just a preparation for a greater future.

Joumana El Saiy– Shooting Rising Star

Joumana Ahmed Khalil El Saiy is a 19-year-old rising Egyptian shooting champion, specialising in the 10 m Air Rifle event. She began her sports career in athletics, where she showcased remarkable talent from an early age. Her breakthrough came during the selection of the Egyptian National Team for Target Sprint, a new sport that combines middle-distance running with precision air rifle shooting. Due to her athletic prowess, Joumana was selected for the team. She fell in love with the shooting and quickly excelled in it, and took part in five stages of the World Cup. 

Over time, Joumana discovered an even greater passion and exceptional talent for shooting. She stood out as a premier shooter, driven by her pinpoint accuracy, technical precision and high-level mental toughness and stamina.

How do you feel about being selected as an Athlete Role Model (ARM) for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026?

Honestly, it feels amazing, just surreal! I was incredibly happy when I heard the news. For me, being chosen as an Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026 is a massive honour and a huge milestone in my career.

As a young athlete, I see this role as a powerful launchpad, not just for my future in the sport, but to inspire the next generation. It’s a beautiful yet big responsibility, and my focus now is to give it my all and prove that I truly deserve this selection and the incredible trust placed in me.

In your opinion, what is the reason behind being selected as an Athlete Role Model (ARM) for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games?

I believe the choice comes down to a few key reasons. First, Target Sprint is a relatively new and dynamic sport being introduced to the Olympic movement, and it needs the right spotlight. Second, it's a reflection of the strong and distinctive results I’ve managed to achieve in this discipline despite being a new event.

Ultimately, I think it is ideal to choose an athlete of my age who has already gone through diverse and high-level experiences in this specific sport. It allows me to truly connect with the YOG athletes and understand them. 

What is the role you will play at the Youth Olympic Games, and how will it serve and inspire the athletes?

My role focuses on two main missions: inspiring young minds and promoting safety. I want to show the younger generation that shooting is a profound mental game demanding focus, discipline, and emotional control, while guiding them through Target Sprint's unique appeal to build life skills like patience and strategic thinking. Additionally, I will highlight how safe official sports shooting really is, making a clear difference between our sport and the dangerous use of weapons. This will help remove any fear and show young athletes how welcoming and exciting the sport can be. 

Wow, fantastic answer! Is there anything else you would like to add?

Honestly, I am just so happy and grateful to be chosen for this role. It is going to be a massive addition to my career. Since I am still a young athlete, I really see this as an incredibly strong launchpad for my future. Big thanks to both the International Federation and the Egyptian Shooting Federation, and thanks for the magazine as well.

Thank you, Jomana, and we wish you all the best!