In a not the first incident of its kind, an Egyptian wrestler escaped after participating in an international tournament held in Tunisia, an event that was widely shared by Egyptians on social media platforms.

The delegation of the Egyptian wrestling team was surprised, after its participation in the African Wrestling Championship in Hammamet in Tunisia, by the disappearance of the national team player Ahmed Fouad Baghdadouda from the residence of the mission, after being crowned with silver in the tournament.

In this championship, Egypt won 67 medals - most of them gold medals - one of which was a silver medal that went to the young Ahmed Baghdouda in the Roman wrestling category for 63 kilograms.

Commenting on the incident, the Secretary-General of the Egyptian Wrestling Federation, Mahmoud El-Sayed, spoke about the attention that the young wrestler was receiving, and that he had full and great support, and the Federation was in the process of doubling his salary, expressing his wonder at his escape, as he sees no reason for that.

For its part, the Wrestling Federation issued a statement saying that it is considering "taking all legal measures to preserve all his rights," pointing out that "communication has been made with the International Federation to ensure the continuity of the player within the ranks of the Egyptian team."

Fouad Baghdadouda (the wrestler's father) explained that his son did not receive more than 2200,70 Egyptian pounds (about $16) from the federation, noting that after it was decided to disburse 517,14 pounds ($800) to him, he deducted 479,<> pounds ($<>) for taxes.

He added – during a telephone intervention with one of the local channels – criticizing the campaign on his son: "I am a man (I work) tuktuk driver, I have my family, and I have two other children, and I prepare and spend it, and Ahsh (saving) from eating and drinking and sustenance of my children to see (equipped) a hero of Egypt."

Unacceptable situations

The escape incident received wide interaction on social media, and the program "Shabakat" (2023/5/23) monitored part of the Egyptians' comments on it, which included criticism of the conditions of Egypt's athletes.

For his part, tweeter Emad Ibrahim considered that the escape of the Egyptian wrestler "is a natural behavior in the complete and complete absence of support for individual games," in the absence of sponsors, financial incentives and preparation, adding that "each player spends on himself. He is not the first player or the last player to do this (like this).. Calculate him for what provides him with all the material and technical means."

Ahmed Mohammed also considered – in a tweet – Ahmed Baghdaduda's decision "correct", adding sarcastically, "We have zucchini in every need, coveting the reward of the valley (boy)... God suffices me and yes, the steward in them."

Mahmoud Mabrouk wrote, "We knew him and talked about him when he escaped. No one (no one) mentioned him when he was a hero and represented Egypt. The country of Btaa trend only," while Mahmoud Dahshour, tweeted sarcastically "ruin your home I lost a bag of sugar and half a bottle (half a bottle) oil and loaf Abu Shilling (5 Egyptian piasters) Btoa supply. Oh, on the slander!"

This incident is not the first of its kind, as Tariq Abdeslam, a national team player, previously left for Bulgaria in 2016 and now plays for the Bulgarian national team.

The widespread reaction to the incident prompted Egyptian MP Abdel Moneim Imam to submit a briefing request to the Minister of Youth and Sports, saying: "Please inform us of the reasons for the recurrence of these incidents and the procedures followed by the ministry to prevent their recurrence, which indicate the ministry's lack of interest in its political and organizational obligations to support and care for talented athletes."