I was beyond thrilled knowing Sisi’s decision to name a new bridge after me: Olympic champion Feryal Ashraf

Cairo – 12 August 2021: Egyption Karate-player Feryal Ashraf said that she can’t describe how much she was thrilled after knowing that President Abdel Fattah al Sisi directed naming a new bridge in the Fifth Settlement district after her name.

In a press conference held after her return to Cairo, Thursday, Feryal affirmed that when she first heard of the President direction, she ‘couldn’t believe it”

“President Sisi has always been supporting to all sports and athletes, and I thank him very much for his constant encouragement to us.” The Olympic champion said.

Feryal also thanked her family for all the efforts they made for her, promising to keep winning more matches and competitions just for them.

She also thanked all the people who came to the airport earlier to welcome her.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi directed, wednesday naming the new bridge that intersects with Taha Hussein Axis in the Fifth Settlement district after Olympic champion Feryal Ashraf.

 Presidential Spokesman Bassam Radi said that the move comes in recognition of her athletic achievements at the Tokyo Olympics.

Other bridges and axes will be also named after fellow Olympic champions upon Sisi's directives, the spokesman said.

On Sunday, President Sisi congratulated Feryal and her family, during a phone call to Egypt's channel one, pledging to gift her mother a hajj trip as a reward for her efforts

“You made us all happy and honored. I thank you and all of your efforts.” Sisi said. He added that Feryal achievement was not only for Egypt but for the Entire Arab region.

“I practice karate since 1970, and I’m interested personally in this game and happy to see such an achievement.” Sisi said during his call.

He noted that Feryal ‘presented a wonderful image for every girl of her age’ and ‘achieved success which everybody is talking about it.’

Feryal became the first Egyptian girl to win a gold medal in the Olympic Games and the 8th athlete in the nation's history to achieve a gold medal.

The Egyptian national anthem was played at the Olympic Games for the first time since Athens Olympic Games in 2004 when Karam Gaber won the gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling.