Mohamed Sabih, the president of the Egyptian Kickboxing Federation, confirmed that the national team achieved a historic accomplishment during their participation in the World Kickboxing Championship, with Egypt's champions securing 8 medals, including 6 silver and 2 bronze medals.
In statements made on television, Mohamed Sabih explained that the players deserve recognition for their performance in the championship, noting that the delegation witnessed only commitment and discipline from the athletes throughout the competition.
The president of the Egyptian Kickboxing Federation added that he urges people not to focus on what happened with player Mohamed Abdel Fattah more than the achievement that was made, after the player made the mistake of fleeing from the national team delegation, emphasizing that his actions do not reflect the image presented by the rest of the delegation members.
Sabih indicated that some young people believe their lives will improve simply by traveling abroad, and that fleeing is the way to achieve a better future, stressing that the incident involving Mohamed Abdel Fattah is a sad matter, especially since there are other players who are doing their utmost to earn the opportunity to represent Egypt and raise its name in international forums.
He continued: "What Mohamed Abdel Fattah did is disheartening. I feel sorrow for him because there are those who struggle to be in his place to elevate Egypt's name, while he plans to flee from the delegation."
The federation president revealed that Mohamed Abdel Fattah is a young player, only 15 years old, explaining that the player disappeared after telling his teammates he was heading to the restroom, and since then he has not been located.
Sabih said: "Our country is the best in the world, but we must understand things correctly, and I say to this young man and others who think about fleeing, you have saddened us while we are struggling for you to become a champion, and you are fleeing and leaving your country."
He added: "I appeal to all official authorities; I have a son whom I cannot find, please help search for him."