Latest news with #KarimIbrahim
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
US Squash Team Ready for Glory & Inspiration at World Junior Squash Championships
Rana Atef On Monday, the World Junior Squash Championships 2025 kicked off with the participation of more than 200 players. Among the anticipated teams to participate in the tournament is the US squash national team due to their impressive performance. Therefore, the team has a lot of thoughts and ambitions to share before the tournament. The US delegation, led by Coach Karim Ibrahim, Director of U.S. Junior National Teams, and Coach Nick Taylor, arrives not only to compete but to make a statement as the American junior squash is on the rise, and this generation is ready to challenge the global elite. Coach Karim Ibrahim, who has been at the helm of U.S. Squash's junior development for the past three years, believes this year's squad reflects a culture of consistency, professionalism, and belief. 'What we've worked hard to instil is a long-term mindset,' Ibrahim shared. 'This isn't just about showing up to win a single match—it's about building athletes who can compete internationally, sustain performance, and lead the next generation.' Ibrahim also plays a pivotal role at the Specter Center, the national training hub in Philadelphia, where many of the juniors have been sharpening their skills year-round. Alongside him is veteran coach Nick Taylor, whose strategic insight and technical experience have helped the athletes adjust to international play styles. One of the standout athletes on the team is Alexander Dartnell, who earlier this year made waves by reaching the final of the 2025 British Junior Open, one of the most competitive junior tournaments in the world. Reflecting on that journey, Alexander Dartnell described how it marked a turning point in his career. 'The British Open was a huge learning curve,' Dartnell explained. 'The first time I played there, I was overwhelmed. Back home I was used to the JCTs, but this was a whole different level—players from all over the world fighting to win.' In that first British Open appearance two years ago, Dartnell finished in fourth place, but it lit a fire in him. 'That's when I realized I wasn't that far off. I belonged on this stage,' he said. 'Since then, I committed fully to training, worked on every weakness, and kept the same mentality—one match at a time.' Asked about competing in Cairo—a city known for its passionate squash fans and legendary champions— he acknowledged the excitement and pressure. 'Meeting guys like Mohamed Zakaria and Amin Orfi—those are names that inspire you,' he said. 'You see their discipline, their intensity, and you want to rise to that level. Being in Egypt, playing in front of squash-loving crowds—it's electric.' Women's team captain Alex Jaffe, representing the girls' squad, spoke candidly about the mental preparation required to compete at this level, especially in Egypt. 'It's not just physical—it's emotional, it's mental,' Jaffe said. 'You train for years to get here, but the pressure hits differently when you're in a country like Egypt, where squash is massive and the atmosphere is intense.' Jaffe emphasized how vital long-term goals have been for her journey. 'Making this team was my goal from the start of the season. I built everything around that. Training, recovery, mindset—all of it,' she explained. 'When the matches go into hour two, and the fans are loud, you have to be able to lock in mentally and trust your preparation.' While the US team is aiming for strong results, the focus isn't solely on podium finishes. According to Ibrahim, this year's championship is also about positioning U.S. juniors as serious contenders and laying a foundation for future excellence. 'It's about sending a message: American players can compete at the highest levels,' he said. 'We may come from a system that's still developing compared to the traditional squash countries, but the talent, drive, and work ethic are absolutely there.' The group stages are now underway at the Wadi Degla Club in Cairo, with players competing in both individual and team draws. Over the next week, the world will watch as these young athletes—some just 16 or 17—test themselves against the best juniors the sport has to offer. For Dartnell, Jaffe, and the entire U.S. squad, this championship is more than a competition—it's a milestone in a larger journey toward elite performance and global recognition. On her side, US Embassy Spokesperson Gina Cabrera's said that the tournament "It's a wonderful opportunity to recognize the incredible talent and dedication of the young athletes representing both the United States and Egypt. Squash is one of Egypt's favorite sports, and it plays an important role in building connections and strengthening the friendship between our two countries." She added: "This year's championship feels even more special as we look forward to squash's historic debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. For the first time ever, this exciting and globally respected sport will be featured at the Olympic Games, giving athletes from Egypt, the U.S., and around the world a chance to shine on the biggest stage." "Both the U.S. and Egyptian junior teams have shown outstanding skill and determination, and their participation here is a great example of the strong partnership between our nations. We celebrate what they've achieved so far and can't wait to see the memorable moments they'll create on the court. 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New Straits Times
23-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Karim vows to defend Malaysian athletes
KUALA LUMPUR: "Do not live in fear, I will defend you." That is newly elected Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim's message to national athletes. The dramatic response from Karim came amid ongoing tension within the national set-up, and after several top athletes voiced their concerns about coaching structures and a lack of support. Recently, national discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin revealed he had received threats after making statements thanking several individuals following his bronze success at the Asian Championships. Several national sprinters were also earlier reported to be reluctant to train under the MA programme due to poor planning and the departure of the respected Poad Kassim from the national coaching setup. However, the issue was sorted out with Poad's return. Karim, who took office on June 15, said safeguarding athletes' welfare and addressing internal disputes were among his top priorities. "To the athletes, I want to say this — do not live in fear. I will defend you," he said. "I will not abandon the athletes because they are the lifeline of Malaysian sports. "We will give international exposure to athletes who can win medals. We will not sideline anyone. "I will meet with the athletes soon... and not just athletes, but coaches too. "We do not want to leave behind any athletes who do not have a coach, like what happened recently to our hammer throwers." Regarding the Thailand Sea Games in December, Karim said it was too early to announce medal targets, emphasising the need for proper evaluation and planning.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Karim Ibrahim Vows Support for Athletes as MA President
KUALA LUMPUR: New Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim has advised the country's athletes not to be afraid when facing any crisis or issue that arises. Karim stressed that the association will stand firmly behind athletes who are the 'heart' of the country's athletics progress. He said that it is not right for athletes to be sidelined just because of external issues that may affect their focus on the track or field. 'I want to tell athletes not to suffer in fear. I will defend athletes and will not sideline them,' he said when met recently. The country's athletics have been embroiled in the issue of training boycott conducted by MA technical director Robert Ballard and it was among the matters which received media attention this year. The media previously reported that several sprinters had decided to boycott Ballard's training programme and had been threatened with expulsion from the programme if they expressed dissatisfaction with the Australian's management style. Karim, who is also the Perak Amateur Athletics Association president, returned to the leadership of the MA for the 2025-2029 term, after winning the election of the governing body at the annual general meeting (AGM) on June 15. Karim, who had held the position from 2014 to 2019, managed to secure 25 votes to defeat his challenger, Negeri Sembilan Athletics president Datuk Mark William Ling, who obtained 14 votes. He also expressed his commitment to providing more exposure to the country's athletes to help them achieve success at the international level. Regarding the target for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, Karim said the MA would strive to ensure that athletes could surpass the five gold medals won during the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. He said that MA needs to look at the data and statistics of other Southeast Asian contenders first before announcing the target medals they want to bring home from Thailand. The 2025 SEA Games is scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla from Dec 9 to 20.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Athletes need not fear, ma to defend you
KUALA LUMPUR: New Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim has advised the country's athletes not to be afraid when facing any crisis or issue that arises. Karim stressed that the association will stand firmly behind athletes who are the 'heart' of the country's athletics progress. He said that it is not right for athletes to be sidelined just because of external issues that may affect their focus on the track or field. 'I want to tell athletes not to suffer in fear. I will defend athletes and will not sideline them,' he said when met recently. The country's athletics have been embroiled in the issue of training boycott conducted by MA technical director Robert Ballard and it was among the matters which received media attention this year. The media previously reported that several sprinters had decided to boycott Ballard's training programme and had been threatened with expulsion from the programme if they expressed dissatisfaction with the Australian's management style. Karim, who is also the Perak Amateur Athletics Association president, returned to the leadership of the MA for the 2025-2029 term, after winning the election of the governing body at the annual general meeting (AGM) on June 15. Karim, who had held the position from 2014 to 2019, managed to secure 25 votes to defeat his challenger, Negeri Sembilan Athletics president Datuk Mark William Ling, who obtained 14 votes. He also expressed his commitment to providing more exposure to the country's athletes to help them achieve success at the international level. Regarding the target for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, Karim said the MA would strive to ensure that athletes could surpass the five gold medals won during the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. He said that MA needs to look at the data and statistics of other Southeast Asian contenders first before announcing the target medals they want to bring home from Thailand. The 2025 SEA Games is scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla from Dec 9 to 20.
Barnama
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Athletes Need Not Fear, MA To Defend You
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- New Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim has advised the country's athletes not to be afraid when facing any crisis or issue that arises. Karim stressed that the association will stand firmly behind athletes who are the 'heart' of the country's athletics progress. He said that it is not right for athletes to be sidelined just because of external issues that may affect their focus on the track or field. bootstrap slideshow "I want to tell athletes not to suffer in fear. I will defend athletes and will not sideline them," he said when met recently. The country's athletics have been embroiled in the issue of training boycott conducted by MA technical director Robert Ballard and it was among the matters which received media attention this year. The media previously reported that several sprinters had decided to boycott Ballard's training programme and had been threatened with expulsion from the programme if they expressed dissatisfaction with the Australian's management style. Karim, who is also the Perak Amateur Athletics Association president, returned to the leadership of the MA for the 2025-2029 term, after winning the election of the governing body at the annual general meeting (AGM) on June 15. Karim, who had held the position from 2014 to 2019, managed to secure 25 votes to defeat his challenger, Negeri Sembilan Athletics president Datuk Mark William Ling, who obtained 14 votes. He also expressed his commitment to providing more exposure to the country's athletes to help them achieve success at the international level.
