A Minister with the Rank of an Athlete... Ashraf Sobhy Combines Field Expertise with Strategic Vision
When you look at the career of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, you quickly realize you are dealing with a personality who has combined academic expertise, sports professionalism, and conscious management, until he became one of the most prominent names in the youth and sports sector in Egypt and the Arab region.
Born in 1968, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy's professional journey began on the karate mat, where he earned a 4th Dan black belt and was crowned the Republic Champion, before forging his path in sports management and marketing, becoming one of the leading specialists in this field academically and practically.
Sobhy graduated from the Faculty of Physical Education at Helwan University in 1989 with honors, then obtained a Master's degree in Public Relations and Sports Management in 1994, and completed his academic career with a Ph.D. in Sports Management from Helwan University and the University of Ottawa in Canada in 2000.
His professional career started early, as he worked as a professor of physical education at Helwan University, specializing in sports marketing and investment, while holding a number of field positions, including a sports activity specialist at Zamalek Club, and technical director and head of the karate department at the club from 1994 to 1997.
In 2000, Sobhy took over as Director of Public Relations at Zamalek Club, marking the beginning of a series of escalating administrative tasks. He was appointed as a member of the board of directors of the Egyptian Football Association by appointment in 2004, and also provided marketing consultations to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for several years.
He served as the Executive Director of Baniyas Club in the UAE between 2009 and 2010, chaired the marketing committee of the Arab Universities Championship, represented Zamalek Club in the Professional League Committee in 2011, and then became the head of the marketing and investment sector at the club until 2012.
In 2012, Sobhy joined the board of directors of the Cairo Stadium Authority, then took over as head of the authority until 2014, where he succeeded in transforming the stadium into a real investment facility, which raised his profile and led to his selection as Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports to Khaled Abdel Aziz in Dr. Kamal Ganzouri's government from August 2014 to March 2016, before resigning in protest against the marginalization of his role.
After a two-year absence from the official scene, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy returned strongly in 2018, to be appointed Minister of Youth and Sports, succeeding Engineer Khaled Abdel Aziz. Since then, he has succeeded in achieving many accomplishments, both in the field of supporting sports infrastructure, and in empowering youth and launching national and community initiatives, such as entrepreneurship programs, youth forums, and developed youth centers.
During his tenure, Egypt witnessed the organization of major international tournaments, in addition to tangible efforts in developing youth centers at the governorate level, and strengthening international cooperation in the field of sports and youth.
Dr. Ashraf Sobhy possesses a unique combination of academic experience, sports background, and administrative ability, which has made him a pivotal figure in the Egyptian sports and youth scene in recent years. He is credited with his ability to combine strategic vision and community outreach, at a time when the Egyptian state is looking to activate youth energies and achieve sustainable development.
Sources:
- Al-Ahram Egyptian Portal
- Presidency of the Council of Ministers
