Squash pro wants to join Egypt protests

Egyptian squash player Marwan el Shorbagy is sweating it out at the Khar Gymkhana for the Indian Squash Professional tournament. Amid the practise sessions, the 17-year-old sportsman also has the well-being of his family on his mind.

Shorbagy comes out of the glass-back courts every 20 minutes to check the political developments in Egypt on his BlackBerry.

The country has witnessed strong protests against president Hosni Mubarak’s regime. As many as 300 people have died in the violence since the clashes began on January 25.

“By God’s grace, my family members and friends in Alexandria are fine. I have been in touch with them through the Internet. Earlier, the Internet was banned, but it is working now. All my cousins and friends have joined the protest against Mubarak,” the World No 126 told DNA.

The player, who shifted base to England a few years ago to pursue his education and his favourite sport at the professional level, is keen to return to his country and take part in the protests.

“I will go to Alexandria after three weeks and if the protests are still not over, I will join them. I want my nation to be free. So many people have lost their lives, but the protests are still on. That means something. It is time for the dictators to step down from their illegitimate posts. The only way my country can progress is through democracy,” said Shorbagy, younger brother of World No 9 Mohamed El Shorbagy. He added that he last visited Egypt in December last year.

“Whatever is happening in Egypt is good. We want the president to step down,” Shorbagy said.

“We want democracy and nothing else. There is unity among Egyptians. Muslims and Christians in the country support each other. Such is the unity that Christian brothers join Muslims during Friday prayers, while the Muslim population takes part in the Sunday Mass. My family, including my parents, who are in Saudi Arabia, support the protests,” said Shorbagy.

He rues the fact that his friends cannot be present in Mumbai to cheer him because of the chaos in Egypt. “They were supposed to come, but they can’t because the airport is shut. It is unfortunate. I would have loved to play in front of them in Mumbai,” said the budding squash player.

Shorbagy also lamented that squash does not get the kind of attention it deserves in Egypt despite producing world-class players. “Only football gets the priority there. We have produced so many players who have won big titles, but we are struggling for attention. I am not asking for attention from the public alone. Our government too should have recognised our feats and rewarded us for doing so well in squash at the highest level,” Shorbagy told DNA with a glint of disappointment in his eyes.

He also spoke lovingly about the passion Indians have for cricket. “Cricket is loved by everyone here. But I’ve heard that the government also supports other sports. That is what democracy is all about,” said the teenager, who is enjoying his stay in Mumbai.

Shorbagy said he wants to focus only on his game in the coming days. “It is hard to erase from my mind whatever is happening in my motherland. I think about it even during my practise sessions, but one needs to move on. I want to win the tournament and make my country proud,” he said.