Egypt and South Korea strengthen long-term ties with speedball sport. A historic event marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and South Korea: the introduction of the Egyptian sport of speedball to the Korean peninsula. The event, titled “Speedball of Republic of Korea Starts Here,” took place on October 23rd, 2023.
Delegates of the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Egyptian Speedball Federation, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO), and Seoul National University’s Dream Together Master (DTM) program, gathered to celebrate this milestone.
Speedball: A Unique Sport
Invented in Egypt in the 1960s, speedball combines elements of racquet sports with specialized equipment. Players use a pole, a heavy base, a rubber ball on a string, and a reinforced plastic racket. The sport has gained international recognition for its ability to promote health, speed, and precision.
A Bridge Between Nations
Kareem Yehia, a key figure in introducing speedball to Korea, emphasized the sport’s potential to foster cultural exchange. “Speedball is not just a sport, but a reflection of Egypt’s creativity and athletic excellence,” he said. Yehia’s passion for the sport, ignited during his university years, led him to support the Egyptian National Speedball Team at the 2011 World Championship.
A Collaborative Future
The introduction of speedball to South Korea aligns with a joint protocol signed by both countries. This agreement, part of a broader sports cooperation framework, reflects the vision of Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy.
The “Speedball of Republic of Korea Starts Here” event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of speedball and strengthens the bond between Egypt and South Korea. The event showcased the various styles of speedball, including solo, single, double, and relay. The double format, in particular, highlights the importance of teamwork and coordination.
