It is one of the main African contingents involved in the Olympic Games, but for the moment the harvest is slow in coming for Egypt. One of the few countries on the continent to engage in most disciplines, such as table tennis. Egypt will thus be there this Monday, August 5, for the team quarter-finals. With as the cornerstone of this selection, Dina Meshref, 30 years old, fourth participation in the Olympic Games. Eliminated in the 2nd round in individual and in the 1st in mixed doubles, she will challenge China this Monday afternoon with her teammates. She explains why the pharaohs compete with racket in hand with the best nations.
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To say the least Dina Meshref is a child of the little white ball. Her parents, table tennis players and leaders of the Al-Ahly club, did not push her, she assures, but she was caught. I feel like it was destiny that made me play table tennis, while my parents, their wish, was that I try other sports, so that we don’t feel obliged to all play the same game. I did, but in the end, I also ended up in table tennis. ” she confides.
Unlike its African and Middle Eastern neighbors, theEgypt is rich in players, whom it exports to professional leagues. Since my grandparents’ time, there are often tables in cafes, or even in the streets, it is a very popular leisure activity, everyone knows ping-pong. It is also a sport that is growing, in my opinion, because it is a nice sport, indoor, without risk. It is very practical ” she emphasizes.
Dina Meshref is pleased that her generation has managed to gain the respect of the great nations of the discipline. Yes, recently we have been recognized for our good results. So, quite a few countries have realized that we are fierce competitors, for the Europeans, but also for the Asians. The support we enjoy at home and our number 1 position in Africa also plays a role in the way we are viewed. » Before pursuing other projects after her 4th Olympic Games, Dina Meshref is delighted with the enthusiasm of the Paris public for her discipline, and is preparing to thrill, perhaps one last time, against China.
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