Dr. Ashraf Sobhy Congratulates Kirsty Coventry on Her Election as IOC President and Commends

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, Chairman of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports, and President of the African University Sports Federation, extends his heartfelt congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)—a testament to the high regard in which she is held at both the international and African levels.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy highlighted that this milestone marks a defining moment in the history of the Olympic movement, as Coventry’s election is a reflection of her remarkable journey and outstanding contributions to sports—both as an Olympic champion and a respected sports leader. He also praised her unwavering commitment to advancing African sports and upholding Olympic values worldwide.

He added: “Having a distinguished African leader take on this prestigious role speaks volumes about the progress our continent is making in sports and sports governance. We are confident that under Coventry’s leadership, the IOC will continue to flourish, fostering even greater collaboration among member states and expanding opportunities for young athletes around the world.”

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy also congratulated Thomas Bach, the former President of the International Olympic Committee, on his appointment as Honorary President of the IOC for life. This well-deserved recognition follows 12 years of transformative leadership, during which he played a key role in expanding global participation, championing sustainability in sports, and making the Olympic Games more inclusive than ever before.

Notably, Egypt was among the nations that actively supported Kirsty Coventry’s candidacy for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee. This backing reflects Egypt’s deep commitment to empowering African sports leadership and ensuring stronger African representation on the global stage. Egypt’s endorsement of Coventry is part of its broader efforts to develop sports across the continent and strengthen regional and international cooperation in the field.