Egyptian international Ziad Hegazy, a member of Egypt’s freestyle wrestling team, has sparked widespread debate after discussing his recent circumstances and decision to step away from representing Egypt, revealing difficult details that he said contributed to his decision despite his strong desire to raise his country’s name in international competitions. 🇪🇬🤼♂️🔥
Hegazy’s comments come at a time of growing attention around Egyptian wrestling, particularly following the case involving wrestler Mohamed El-Shamy, who was reportedly said to have left the national team delegation during the return journey from the Mediterranean Games in Italy.
In a message addressed to his family, Hegazy stressed that his decision was not motivated by a desire to abandon Egypt but by the pressure he had experienced, emphasizing that he wanted to return home as a champion who had achieved an accomplishment worthy of his country.
Ziad Hegazy: I Did Not Want to Return Empty-Handed
The Egyptian wrestler delivered an emotional message to his parents, asking them to forgive him for the decision he had made and explaining that his goal was to preserve his self-respect while returning to Egypt after achieving a medal and honoring his country.
He explained that he had endured many difficulties throughout his career and also spoke about the effort and sacrifices his father had made to support him, emphasizing that his family was his greatest motivation to continue despite difficult circumstances.
Traveling to Slovakia Alone
Ziad Hegazy revealed what he described as one of the most difficult moments of his career, explaining that he traveled alone from Cairo Airport to Slovakia to participate in a tournament without any member of the delegation accompanying him, according to his account.
He said that he was forced to contact officials after arriving before making his way to the competition and competing on his own.
He also stated that he participated despite suffering an injury to his right rib, insisting that he was determined to compete because he wanted to fulfill his dream and win a medal for Egypt. 🏆
“My Salary Is 700 Pounds”
One of the most striking parts of Hegazy’s comments was his statement about the financial compensation he receives. He said that he earns, according to his account, 700 Egyptian pounds per month despite being an international athlete representing Egypt.
The wrestler believes that such financial conditions place a major burden on athletes, particularly because of the costs involved in training, preparation, travel and participation in competitions.
At the same time, he stressed that he takes responsibility for his decision to step away, while explaining that the accumulation of pressure made him feel that returning to Egypt at that moment was not the right option.
Despite the Crisis.. Egypt Comes First
Despite the angry tone of some of his comments and his criticism of the circumstances he described, Ziad Hegazy stressed that his relationship with Egypt has not changed and that he considers himself a representative of the national team whose main objective has always been to raise the Egyptian flag.
He said his dream is to return to Egypt with an achievement that makes his country proud, emphasizing that wrestling is not simply a sport for him but an essential part of his life and identity.
His message highlights another side of athletes’ lives, where the struggle extends beyond the competition itself into preparation, support, psychological stability and financial conditions. 📢
A Crisis Raising New Questions
Ziad Hegazy’s comments have reopened discussion about the conditions faced by athletes in individual sports and whether they can continue competing internationally while dealing with financial and organizational challenges.
An athlete preparing for an international competition needs a complete support system that allows him to focus on training and competition, particularly when he is expected to represent Egypt and achieve strong results.
It remains important to treat the player’s statements as his personal account while awaiting any official clarification or response from the authorities responsible for Egyptian wrestling.
“I Was Born a Wrestler and I Will Live as One”
Ziad Hegazy concluded his message by emphasizing his deep connection to wrestling, saying that he was born a wrestler and would remain one, while continuing to pursue his goal of raising Egypt’s flag.
✨ Despite everything he revealed about his struggles, Egypt remained at the center of Ziad Hegazy’s message, underlining that his sporting ambitions have not changed and that his biggest dream is to return to the podium and raise the Egyptian flag once again.
📢 Do you believe individual-sport athletes need greater support to ensure they can continue competing internationally? Share your opinion on this issue. 🇪🇬🔥
