Sunday 26/October/2025 – 03:46 PM
Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, received international equestrian Andre Sakakini, of Italian nationality and Egyptian origin, father of equestrian Lara Sakakini, who officially announced her choice to represent Egypt instead of Germany in international equestrian championships, in the presence of Dr. Ismail Shaker, President of the Egyptian Equestrian Federation, to discuss ways to support and develop Egyptian equestrian sports during the coming period.
Equestrian Lara Sakakini obtains Egyptian citizenship and represents Egypt instead of Germany
For his part, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi welcomed Lara Sakakini joining the list of Egyptian equestrians and her obtaining Egyptian citizenship, noting that the Ministry and the Egyptian Equestrian Federation will provide all aspects of support and care to her and to all talented Egyptian players in order to raise Egypt’s name high in international forums.
Lara Sakakini said: The development and support I saw for Egyptian equestrianism was amazing, and I felt proud when I learned how much the state and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi care about sports and athletes in various fields, which encouraged me to make my final decision to return to represent Egypt.
During the meeting, the Minister of Youth and Sports expressed his happiness at the visit of horseman Andre Sakakini to Cairo, stressing that the Ministry pays great attention to equestrian sports and works to support Egyptian talent in this ancient field that is linked to authentic Egyptian identity and heritage.
The meeting discussed the Sakakini family’s journey in the equestrian world, where Andre expressed his pride in his Egyptian origins, stressing his keenness for his daughter Lara Sakakini to represent Egypt in the upcoming international tournaments after she participated on behalf of Germany, which is a strong message that confirms Egypt’s position in the hearts of its people at home and abroad, and its continued leadership in various sports fields.
Lara Sakakini is considered one of the most promising up-and-coming riders in equestrian sports, as she is expected to have a bright future thanks to her remarkable talent and her training under the supervision of her father, Andre Sakakini, who previously represented Egypt in four Olympics and three world championships, which makes her experience an extension of a long Egyptian family legacy in equestrian sports.
