The 12th African University Games, “Cairo 2026,” hosted by Egypt from September 8 to 16, concluded after several days of sporting competitions and scientific, cultural, and artistic activities, with broad participation from African university students.

The Games were held under the auspices and organization of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, headed by Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, with the participation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, headed by Mr. Gohar Nabil; the African University Sports Federation, headed by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy; and the Egyptian University Sports Federation, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdi, Chairman of the Games Organizing Committee, and Dr. Hesham Ahmed Ali, Tournament Director.

The Games brought together more than 2,000 participants, including students and administrators representing African universities and countries, who competed in 18 main sports, alongside four Paralympic sports and three demonstration and recreational sports, under the slogan “One Torch... One Continent.”

“Cairo 2026” took place at a particularly significant time, coinciding with the celebration of African Union Day, the International Day of University Sport, and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the African University Sports Federation. These occasions transformed Cairo into a platform bringing together young people from across the continent through sports, education, culture, and cooperation.

Egypt Tops the Medal Standings with 310 Medals

The official results of the Games revealed that athletes from 15 African countries reached the podium, winning a total of 510 medals, including 159 gold, 159 silver, and 192 bronze medals.

Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, Media Advisor and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced that the Egyptian delegation topped the overall standings among participating countries, securing 93 gold, 101 silver, and 116 bronze medals, for a total of 310 medals.

Algeria ranked second with 111 medals, including 36 gold, 35 silver, and 40 bronze medals, followed by South Africa with 24 medals and Ghana with 22 medals.

Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that these results reflect the broad scope of competition and the diversity of sporting talent across Africa. He also noted that “Cairo 2026” served as a university sporting gathering that provided young people from across the continent with opportunities to connect, interact, and exchange experiences, alongside the sporting competitions and accompanying activities.

Konsowa: The Games Serve as a Platform Bringing Together Education, Sports, and Culture

Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa emphasized that Egypt’s hosting of the Games reflects its role in supporting young people across the continent and strengthening ties among African universities. He explained that “Cairo 2026” went beyond sporting competition to become a platform bringing together education, sports, and culture, contributing to the development of university students’ character based on discipline, teamwork, and respect for others.

Konsowa expressed his appreciation to the Egyptian state and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for their commitment to human development, youth welfare, talent discovery, and strengthening cooperation with African countries. He also extended his thanks to Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egyptian state institutions, the African University Sports Federation, the Organizing Committee, the Egyptian University Sports Federation, and all universities, ministries, institutions, committees, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the Games.

The Minister of Higher Education stressed that the conclusion of the competitions did not mark the end of the bonds established among African university students during the Games. He called for building on this experience and expanding academic, cultural, and sporting cooperation among universities across the continent.

During preparations for the Games, Konsowa also emphasized that ensuring the readiness of sports facilities was a key component of the organizational plan and that the state was committed to providing the best possible conditions for participating delegations and teams. He noted that the diversity of scientific, educational, and cultural activities alongside sporting competitions reflected the Games’ comprehensive vision.

Ashraf Sobhy: “Cairo 2026” Goes Beyond Competing for Medals

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, President of the African University Sports Federation and Vice Chairman of the Games’ Higher Committee, expressed his pride in the success of “Cairo 2026,” emphasizing that the event was not merely a competition for medals but also a platform that brought together African university students in an atmosphere of fair competition, mutual acquaintance, and the exchange of experiences.

Sobhy emphasized that the Games embodied the true mission of university sports in nurturing an African generation that believes in cooperation, excellence, and peace. He praised the support provided by Egypt, participating ministries, universities, and other organizations, as well as the efforts of athletes, coaches, referees, administrators, and volunteers.

During the preparation phase, Sobhy confirmed that preparations and coordination efforts were aimed at providing the best possible conditions for participants, while adhering to the timetable and maintaining coordination among the various committees to achieve the highest levels of readiness before receiving the delegations.

He also stressed the ability of participating organizations to address challenges and overcome obstacles, extending his thanks to Ain Shams University for its support in hosting delegations and providing the necessary services.

Ahmed Kamel Mahdi: An Integrated System for Organization and Monitoring

Dr. Ahmed Kamel Mahdi, Chairman of the Games Organizing Committee, confirmed that preparations and inspections of sports facilities proceeded according to a carefully planned schedule to ensure the readiness of stadiums, indoor halls, and competition venues, as well as compliance with the technical and organizational requirements of each sport.

He explained that the Organizing Committee continuously monitored organizational, technical, and logistical aspects, coordinating with universities, institutions, and host organizations to ensure the highest levels of readiness for receiving participating delegations and teams.

Mahdi noted that “Cairo 2026” went beyond sporting competitions to become an African gathering that provided university students with opportunities to meet, communicate, and engage in fair competition. He emphasized that sportsmanship and mutual respect demonstrated the ability of university sports to transcend linguistic and cultural differences.

He extended his thanks to the participating countries, universities, delegations, and athletes, as well as state institutions, technical, administrative, medical, security, media, and logistical committees, and volunteers. He particularly praised the role played by young volunteers at the various Games venues.

Hesham Ahmed Ali: An Operations Room Working Around the Clock

Dr. Hesham Ahmed Ali, Tournament Director, explained that the “Cairo 2026” operations room operated around the clock to monitor the movement of delegations and buses, competition venues, results, and operational developments.

He confirmed that the operations room provided a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the events, enabling working teams to coordinate rapidly and respond to requirements and emerging developments while ensuring the smooth running of the competition schedule.

He also emphasized that the various working teams made continuous efforts to ensure the smooth running of competitions and provide the best possible conditions for participating delegations and students. He explained that the Games represented an African sporting and youth gathering that embodied the values of friendship and cooperation among the peoples of the continent.

Major General Ahmed Nasser: Egypt Presented an Outstanding Model

Major General Ahmed Nasser, President of the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC), praised the Egyptian support, sponsorship, and efforts that contributed to the success of the Games, emphasizing that Egypt presented an outstanding model for bringing together African university students and youth.

He described “Cairo 2026” as one of the most successful editions of the African University Games, praising the performances of students and athletes, which reflected the spirit of competition and cooperation. He also extended his thanks to Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, and everyone involved in organizing the event.

Honoring Delegations, Students, and Volunteers

The closing ceremony honored the American University in Cairo, which ranked first in the overall Games standings, alongside several students and volunteers who participated in organizing the event.

The Egyptian delegation, which ranked first among participating countries, was also honored. Dr. Amr Allam, Assistant Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Institutional Development, Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry, and Head of the Egyptian Delegation, received the honor in recognition of the achievement of Egyptian university students.

The ceremony also honored the presidents of universities that hosted the Games’ competitions and activities, as well as male and female students who won medals in chess competitions, in recognition of their outstanding performance and participation.

The official proceedings concluded with the handover of the Games flag to representatives of Algeria, the host country of the next edition.

Ain Shams University Ranks Seventh in Its First Participation

In its first participation in the African University Games, Ain Shams University achieved a remarkable sporting accomplishment, securing seventh place in the overall standings with 35 medals, including 14 gold, 13 silver, and eight bronze medals.

The achievement was made under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, with administrative coordination and supervision by Mr. Ibrahim Said Hamza, Assistant Secretary-General of the University for Education and Student Affairs, under the umbrella of the Education and Student Affairs Sector, the General Administration of Youth Welfare, and the Sports Activities Department.

The University participated in several individual and team sports, with its students delivering outstanding competitive performances that reflected the University's sporting talent and ability to compete at the continental level.

Ain Shams University's involvement extended beyond competitions to hosting, organization, and cultural and artistic activities. The University dormitories accommodated many delegations and teams, while the University mobilized its human and logistical resources and various facilities to contribute to the success of the Games.

Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen: Ain Shams Sets an Exemplary Standard in Hosting Delegations

Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, emphasized the University's commitment to setting an exemplary standard in hosting African delegations, reflecting its academic, community, and sporting roles.

He explained that the successful hosting of delegations resulted from the integrated efforts of the Education and Student Affairs Sector, which worked to improve readiness, services, and hospitality while mobilizing human and logistical resources and various facilities to ensure the event's success.

The University President noted that Ain Shams University's participation was not limited to logistical services and accommodation but also included organizing cultural activities at the delegations' residences, promoting cultural exchange and communication among African university students.

He emphasized that the University's sporting participation and strong results, alongside its cultural and organizational contributions, reflected its commitment to supporting university sports and strengthening ties with African universities.

Rami Maher Ghali: The Torch Symbolizes Knowledge, Sports, and Friendship

Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Education and Student Affairs, conveyed the University President's greetings, emphasizing that welcoming the “Cairo 2026” torch represented a symbolic moment reflecting the power of sports to unite the continent's youth around the values of fair competition, cooperation, and friendship.

He stressed that communication among African peoples is essential for building a shared future and that universities are among the most important bridges for strengthening these connections and establishing lasting relationships between new generations.

He noted that extending the Games to include scientific and cultural activities alongside sporting competitions opened broader opportunities for dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and experiences, enabling African university students to establish personal and academic relationships that would continue beyond the Games.

He explained that the selection of Ain Shams University as one of the host universities reflected confidence in its organizational capabilities, infrastructure, and sporting facilities. He confirmed that the University had enhanced the readiness of its stadiums, indoor halls, and facilities and provided the technical equipment and organizational services required for each sport.

The “Cairo 2026” Torch Arrives at Ain Shams University

Ain Shams University welcomed the torch of the 12th African University Games during a major celebration organized by the Education and Student Affairs Sector under the theme “The Torch Unites Us... Ain Shams University Creates the Moment.”

Dr. Rami Maher Ghali attended the launch ceremony of the torch procession on the University campus, in the presence of Prof. Mamdouh El-Sayed Ahmed, Executive Director of the Egyptian University Sports Federation, and under the supervision and coordination of Mr. Ibrahim Said Hamza.

The torch was carried by karate champion Hamza Ahmed Sayed Ahmed, a student at the Faculty of Commerce, in a procession inspired by ancient Egyptian civilization. The Vice President then received the torch and passed it to judo champion Farida Magdy Abul Azayem, also a student at the Faculty of Commerce, to continue its journey among Egyptian universities.

The celebration featured sporting and cultural performances, including a kata demonstration, as well as a visit to the art studio of the Students for Egypt group, as part of efforts to support student activities and discover talent.

Prof. Mamdouh El-Sayed Ahmed expressed his pleasure at joining Ain Shams University students in celebrating the launch of the torch procession and wished all participants success in the Games.

Ain Shams University Hosts 13 Sports with the Highest Levels of Readiness

Ain Shams University hosted a major portion of the Games' competitions, covering 13 main sports, including team sports, swimming, racket sports, fencing, chess, and modern pentathlon, alongside relevant Paralympic sports.

The competition schedule also included other venues, including October 6 University, which hosted athletics, Paralympic sports, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, and judo, in accordance with technical approval, as well as the American University in Cairo, the Olympic Center in Maadi, and Al Nady Club in the New Administrative Capital.

Preparations included upgrading stadiums, indoor halls, and sports facilities and providing technical equipment and organizational services in accordance with the requirements of each sport.

Orienteering: Competitions and Results at Ain Shams University

Ain Shams University hosted orienteering competitions from September 14 to 16. The General Administration of Youth Welfare hosted training sessions on September 14 and 15, while the official competitions began on September 16.

In the team competitions, the Canadian University in the New Administrative Capital secured first place and the gold medal, followed by the University of Ghana in second place with silver and the University of Uganda in third place with bronze.

In the women's individual competition, Malak Ismail of the Canadian University in the New Administrative Capital won gold, Malak Raafat of Cairo University secured silver, and Sondos Mohamed of the Canadian University took bronze.

In the men's individual competition, Youssef Khaled of Capital University won gold, Seif Ismail of the Canadian University secured silver, and Mostafa Abu Amer of the Canadian University took bronze.

University Dormitories Prepared to Receive Delegations

Ain Shams University raised the level of readiness at its university dormitories to the highest standards to receive delegations, through a comprehensive plan developed by the Education and Student Affairs Sector, under the administrative supervision and coordination of Mr. Ibrahim Said Hamza.

Preparations included equipping accommodation facilities, improving service quality, organizing reception and accommodation procedures, and establishing precise mechanisms to monitor delegations and meet their needs around the clock.

The university dormitories provided hotel-standard accommodation, including fully equipped rooms, comprehensive services, and buffet-style meals, supported by qualified teams working around the clock.

Ambulances were also prepared, and a specialized medical team was made available 24 hours a day to ensure rapid responses to emergencies and provide the necessary healthcare.

Konsowa and Sobhy Inspect the Operations Room and Delegation Accommodation Facilities

Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa and Dr. Ashraf Sobhy inspected the Games' operations room and delegation accommodation facilities at Ain Shams University, accompanied by leaders of the Organizing Committee and several officials.

The operations room operated around the clock to monitor bus routes and delegation transportation, track competition venues and results, and respond to developments in real time.

Konsowa emphasized that on-site monitoring reflected the ability of Egypt and its universities to host major university sporting events and that the use of technology in management represented a model of integration between technological advancement and organizational operations.

Ashraf Sobhy emphasized that monitoring accommodation facilities and competition venues was an essential part of the operational system, aimed at ensuring the comfort of delegations, the safety of participants, and the smooth running of competitions.

Ahmed Kamel Mahdi noted that the operations room served as a central hub for daily monitoring and coordination among organizational, logistical, and technical activities.

Praise for Ain Shams University's Readiness

During the inspection tours, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa praised the quality of services provided to delegations, noting that the level of readiness and organization reflected the efficiency of Ain Shams University, the Education and Student Affairs Sector, and the various departments involved in hosting the event.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy confirmed that the university dormitories featured air-conditioned, hotel-standard buildings, appropriate facilities, and catering services, commending the efforts of the University's working teams.

Ahmed Kamel Mahdi also praised the University's preparations from the earliest stages, emphasizing that its efforts were evident from the preparations for receiving the Games' torch and organizing the accompanying celebration through to welcoming delegations and managing facilities and services.

Delegations Praise the Warm Reception and Organization

Participating delegations and teams staying at the university dormitories expressed their appreciation for the warm reception, high-quality services, and various facilities provided.

Heads of delegations praised the warm hospitality, excellent organization, and efforts made to provide the best possible conditions for students and participants. Attendees at the ceremony honoring delegation heads also commended Ain Shams University's role in supporting the Games, particularly through its student accommodation facilities, working teams, and logistical and organizational services.

Cultural and Artistic Activities: “Cairo 2026” Goes Beyond the Sports Venues

The Games were not limited to sporting competitions, as the accompanying program extended to arts, music, heritage, and student creativity.

At the Cairo Opera House, the Main Hall hosted an artistic performance as part of the “Africa Day” celebrations, featuring the operetta “The Peoples of Africa Are One.” The performance included folk art troupes affiliated with the General Organization of Cultural Palaces from Aswan, Sohag, Port Said, El Horreya, Kafr El-Sheikh, Arish, and Matrouh, alongside the Egyptian Music and Singing Troupe Orchestra and the Egyptian Universities Choir.

Students from Cairo, Ain Shams, Assiut, Alexandria, and Badr University in Cairo also participated in the Egyptian Universities Choir, alongside distinguished students from the “Tarab” Festival.

Dr. Karim Hammam, Advisor to the Minister for Student Activities and Director of the Leadership Development Institute, emphasized that the diversity of activities reflected the accompanying program's commitment to providing an experience beyond sporting competitions, offering African university students opportunities to meet and communicate while allowing student talents to showcase their abilities.

Art Street and Traditional Handicraft Workshops

The delegations' accommodation facilities at Ain Shams University hosted “Art Street” activities, with the participation of the Academy of Arts, which presented operatic singing, traditional Arabic instrumental ensemble performances, and folkloric shows.

The Ministry of Culture, through the General Organization of Cultural Palaces, also organized traditional handicraft workshops, including appliqué tentmaking, mat weaving, carpet making, textiles, and other crafts.

Ain Shams University hosted 12 artistic workshops on traditional and heritage crafts, including Tally embroidery, mat weaving, handmade carpets, pottery, and amigurumi dolls, alongside artworks reflecting African heritage.

The University also participated in an exhibition of paintings and artworks created by students from the Faculty of Specific Education, allowing delegations to explore the creativity of Egyptian university students.

Karim Hammam emphasized that these activities offered an integrated experience combining sports, arts, culture, and heritage, strengthening communication among the continent's youth and introducing delegations to various aspects of Egyptian culture.

Opening Ceremony: Cairo Brings Together the Continent's Youth

Cairo International Stadium hosted the Games' opening ceremony in the presence of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister; Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education; Mr. Gohar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports; leaders of the Egyptian and African university sports movements; university presidents; and participating delegations and teams.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a visual presentation and an artistic performance celebrating Egyptian civilization entitled “Egypt: Land of Civilization,” and then the official parade of participating countries and delegations.

The ceremony featured speeches by participating officials, beginning with Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Vice Chairman of the Games' Higher Committee and President of the African University Sports Federation, followed by Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation, Mr. Gohar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa.

Coordination Meeting to Unify Efforts Ahead of the Competitions

Ain Shams University hosted the first coordination meeting, bringing together the heads of the African University Sports Federation committees, the heads of the Egyptian University Sports Federation committees, and the heads of participating delegations.

The meeting discussed organizational and technical matters, competition arrangements, delegation requirements, and coordination mechanisms among participating organizations.

The Games' official application was also presented during the meeting as an integrated digital platform for athletes, delegations, officials, the media, and the public, providing access to matches, news, media content, and a guide to stadiums and facilities.

Digital Transformation Plays a Key Role in Managing the Games

“Cairo 2026” introduced an integrated digital registration and accreditation system, alongside a mobile application that enabled users to follow results in real time and access news about the Games and competition venues.

Adel Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that technology supported the management of the Games, unified information sources, and facilitated participants' access to data and services.

The operations room also supported the digital management system through real-time monitoring of delegations, buses, results, and competition venues, improving response times and coordination among working teams.

African Scientific Conference Held Alongside the Games

The “Cairo 2026” program extended into the scientific field through the organization, for the first time, of an African scientific conference held alongside the Games and hosted by the British University in Egypt.

The conference received 129 research abstracts across 10 scientific themes, alongside 40 full research papers, with the participation of 21 countries and 99 universities, reflecting the integration of sports, education, and scientific research.

“One Torch... One Continent”

As “Cairo 2026” concluded, the competition results, together with the cultural and personal connections established among African university students, reaffirmed that university sports extend beyond the playing fields to character development and the promotion of cooperation, teamwork, and fair competition.

With Egypt topping the participating countries' standings with 310 medals and Ain Shams University ranking seventh in its first participation with 35 medals, alongside its success in hosting delegations, competitions, and cultural and artistic activities, “Cairo 2026” presented an integrated model for hosting a major African sporting, youth, and scientific event.

The Games concluded by conveying the message embodied in their slogan, “One Torch... One Continent,” bringing together sports, science, culture, and technology while opening new opportunities for cooperation and communication among universities and young people across the African continent.