Squash Dynasty

Treatment

Logline:

This documentary explores the core success factors that have made Egypt the dominant force in global squash, tracing its rise from the 1930s to its current reign. With the sport’s anticipated debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Egyptian players aim to secure the first-ever Olympic squash medals. The film unravels the historical, cultural, and institutional elements that have cemented Egypt’s place at the top of the squash world.

Synopsis:

Egyptian squash has evolved into a sporting dynasty, consistently producing world champions and dominating both men's and women’s circuits. But what makes Egypt so successful in squash? This documentary traces the rise of Egyptian squash through a lens of key success factors: early historical breakthroughs, national obsession, top-tier training, community-driven support, and a modern surge in corporate sponsorship.

With exclusive access to Egypt's premier squash tournaments and its champions, both past and present, the film offers a deep dive into how Egypt transformed squash from a British colonial import into a national phenomenon. It also follows the excitement and anticipation for squash’s debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—a stage Egypt has been preparing for over decades, despite past efforts to include squash in the Games.

1. Introduction: Squash at the Olympics

• Opening Scene: The film begins with an introduction to the sport of squash, and the long-standing efforts to include it in the Olympics. Despite being shortlisted for several Games (including London 2012 and Paris 2024), squash was repeatedly passed over, much to the disappointment of its global fan base​

• The Turning Point: With squash finally making its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Egypt's dominance in the sport puts them in prime position to make history by winning the first Olympic medals​

Key Visual: Footage from training camps and interviews with top Egyptian players like Ali Farag and Nour El Sherbini, discussing their preparation for the 2028 Games.

2. The Origins: Colonial Roots and Early Success

• 1930s: Egypt’s relationship with squash began in the 1920s when British officers introduced the game to Cairo and Alexandria​

However, Egypt quickly made a name for itself when Amr Bey became the first non-British player to win the British Open in 1933, marking the country's entry onto the world stage​

1940s-1950s: Egypt's early success continued with Mahmoud El Karim, who won four British Open titles (1947-1950), further establishing Egypt as a squash powerhouse​

Success Factor #1: Early International Triumphs

• Early success gave Egypt the confidence to believe it could compete on the international level, leading to a legacy that inspired future generations.

3. The Barada Effect: A Modern Renaissance

• 1990s: After a period of decline, Ahmed Barada reignited Egypt’s passion for squash in the 1990s. His dramatic performances at the Al-Ahram International Tournament in front of the Pyramids of Giza brought squash back into the national consciousness​

• Key Scene: Interviews with Barada and other squash legends explain how Barada’s success, particularly his rise to world No. 2, created a new wave of squash talent in Egypt.

Success Factor #2: Inspirational Icons and the Power of Role Models

• Barada’s rise to fame in the 1990s inspired a new generation of players. His ability to connect with the Egyptian public and media elevated squash to a national sport and gave young players something to aspire to.

4. A Training Culture Like No Other

• 2000s: Egypt’s next wave of champions, including Amr Shabana, Ramy Ashour, and Karim Darwish, dominated the squash scene. Egypt's top players not only mastered the fundamentals but also developed a creative, attacking style that redefined the sport​(

• Training Centers: Egypt's highly competitive squash clubs, such as Wadi Degla and Gazira Club, became the breeding grounds for world-class talent​(

• Practice Philosophy: Egyptian players train in small, close-knit groups, often competing with more experienced players. This "concentrated quality" environment sharpens skills and fosters continuous improvement​(

Success Factor #3: High-Level Training and Intense Competition

• The Egyptian approach to training, with constant internal competition, pushes players to their limits and produces a steady stream of elite talent.

5. Community and Family Support: The Squash Ecosystem

• Community Driven: Egyptian families, especially in Cairo and Alexandria, play a pivotal role in their children’s squash careers. Clubs are social hubs, where parents, siblings, and friends support young athletes throughout their journeys​(

• Family Dedication: Squash is more than a sport; it’s a family endeavor, with parents actively involved in nurturing their children’s passion for the game.

Success Factor #4: Community Engagement and Family Support

• The strong community support system that surrounds Egyptian players, from childhood through their professional careers, provides a stable environment for success.

6. Corporate Sponsorship and Institutional Backing

• Modern Era (2010s-present): Egypt’s dominance has been bolstered by significant corporate sponsorship from companies like CIB, Elsewedy Electric, and Ezz Steel, who have invested in tournaments, players, and squash infrastructure​

Success Factor #5: Corporate and Institutional Support

• Financial backing from Egyptian corporations has allowed players to train full-time and has made squash one of the country’s most well-funded sports.

7. The Road to Los Angeles: Olympic Dreams

• 2020s: With squash finally being recognized as an Olympic sport in 2028, Egypt is preparing for its moment of glory. The country’s top players, including Ali Farag, Mostafa Asal, and Nour El Sherbini, are seen as favorites to win the first Olympic squash medals​

Final Scene: The documentary will conclude by following Egypt's top squash players on their journey to the 2028 Olympics, capturing the intense preparation and the weight of national expectations.