Cup is going back to where it belongs

The African nation had suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Pakistan two years ago. But, it was smooth sailing this time around as it emerged victorious without dropping a game. Gold in the team event made it a clean sweep as it had secured top spot in the men’s juniors and women’s juniors as well courtesy Mostafa Assal and Rowan Reda Araby respectively. 

Egypt required only two matches to finish the proceedings in the final, with captain Marwan Tarek and Omar El Torkey making sure the title was returning home without much fuss. Tarek, who missed it by a whisker in 2016, was elated after the triumph. “To win it and take it back to our country is a great achievement. We didn’t lose a single game, which I think has never happened before. This is something historical,” said Tarek after the presentation ceremony. 

“I have won individual titles before but I have never been crowned champion in the team event. My only dream two years ago was to win it (team event) for Egypt. But unfortunately, we could not cross the line. It hurt a lot and I was very upset. Happy we did it here,” added the 17-year-old. 

All members of the Egyptian four-man squad, Tarek, El Torkey, Mostafa Assal and Mostafa El Serty, had made it to the podium in the individual event, making it a formidable force ahead of the tournament. 

Tarek felt his compatriots at World Juniors 2018 were better when compared to those who shared the dressing room with him back in Poland. “This team is better than the one that played two years ago against Pakistan (in the final),” opined the skipper. 

“None of the other boys have played it before. I know how it feels like to lose a team event final. All I told them (before the final) was to enjoy and not put too much pressure on themselves. We dealt with the match confidently,” added the title-winner. 

When you play for the badge on the front, people will automatically remember your name on the back. That’s exactly what Tarek believes in. “We don’t play for our names anymore but our country. The team event always has a different taste,” the British Junior Open champion remarked. 

He also dedicated the title to those who have been very supportive during this journey. “This is for all the people back home, the Federation and our coaches. When you play for others, one plays with more responsibility.” Tarek had a bit of a banter with Englishman Nicholas Wall after the conclusion of the first match. Commenting on it, he said, “You will find scenarios like that in almost every match. I wanted to win and he had the same thought too. You must just make sure that it doesn’t affect your tactics, game plan etc.”