A figure in every game, and currently the top attacker in the FIVB 2023 Women’s U21 Volleyball World Championship with 79 points in five days of competition in the cities of León and Aguascalientes, Mexico, is an Egyptian rising star.
She goes by Tokka, short for Toqaallah, and at the age of 18, she catches attention with her powerful attacks, averaging 15.80 points per match. She also shares the top spot for the tournament Best Scorer with 88 points with Nicole Pérez of Argentina.
“I wish to continue among the top scorers of the World Championship, not as a personal achievement, but to drive my team to the ninth position after not making it to the quarterfinals”.
Tokka mentions that Egypt’s goal was to be among the top eight teams, but the decisive match against Mexico was very tough: “They (Mexico) played really well, with strength and the push from their fans was a key element for our loss. I wish them the best of luck for the rest of the tournament”.
Egypt is competing for positions 9th to 16th and for Tokka, the level of competition remains just as intense: “The teams are still pushing hard and we are ready for the challenge, fighting our best to finish in ninth place, out of pride for our country”.
Tokka has been a member of Egypt’s national team for four years, and last year she won the Women’s U21 African Championship in Tunisia, with several of her teammates here in Leon. Additionally, this is her second World Championship; she was in Mexico two years ago for the Girls’ U18 World Championship in the city of Durango.
“That was the first time I was part of Egypt’s national team, starting big in a World Championship. Being able to participate in a second World Championship has been a dream come true, and I am very proud to represent my country,” says Tokka.
Tokka initially played as a middle blocker, about which she comments: “The switch to outside hitter made me free, I didn’t like being a middle; outside hitter is the best position for me”.
Currently, Tokka attends university in Cairo, studying Physical Therapy, and she wishes to specialize in Sports Physical Therapy. She plays with the El Shams team in the Egyptian National League and goes to practice also with the national team.
“It has been challenging focusing on studies, attending university, and making it to practice at least three hours a day, struggling with it all, but my family supports me and pushes me forward, they believe in me,” Tokka added.
