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Under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University,, and the University Vice Presidents, Shada Maher, a contestant from the Confucius Institute at Ain Shams University, fulfilled her dream by winning first place worldwide in the finals of the International Chinese Bridge Competition, held in Xiamen, China. The competition lasted for a month and was held under the patronage of China’s Minister of Education.

It is worth noting that Shada Maher won first place in the preliminary round held at Ain Shams University, last April under the supervision of Prof. Nasser Abdel Aal, Director of the Confucius Institute, and Prof. Wang Xiaohai, Chinese Director of the Institute. She also secured first place in the national finals in Egypt, qualifying her to travel to China and compete in the continental-level finals.

Following her achievement, contestant Shada Maher delivered a statement that the competition’s organizing committee was keen to share across Chinese media outlets:

“Praise be to God. By God’s grace and guidance, I was able to win first place worldwide in the Chinese Bridge Competition.

This competition was unlike anything I had ever participated in before. I prepared for it wholeheartedly—from the outfit I wore with pride in my country and its civilization, to every word I spoke there about Egypt and my feelings toward China.

I spent an entire month feeling proud of myself, proud of everything I discovered I could achieve, and proud of my country, which I saw attracting the interest, admiration, and curiosity of everyone I met there.

What I hope I succeeded in most was not only representing myself well as a contestant, but also representing Egypt in a way that truly reflects the pride I feel as an Egyptian.

Thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported me before I traveled, throughout my time there, and after I returned. This time, for me, it is not simply about winning first place; it is a memory and an experience that I will remain proud of for the rest of my life.

I sincerely hope to always see Egypt and Egyptians at the forefront—every year in the Chinese Bridge Competition, and in every competition and every place where we have the honor of representing our country.

I also hope that first place will remain my lifelong companion. Praise be to God for every step that brought me to this stage, surrounded by so many wonderful and talented people, and for giving me the opportunity to express myself and share my views on the world’s largest stage for learners of the Chinese language.”