Nour Ahmed Youssri: Egyptian Badminton Player & African Champion
Douala, Cameroon – Nour Ahmed Youssri added another chapter to her burgeoning badminton career, securing the Women’s Singles title at the 2026 African Badminton Championships. The Egyptian defeated compatriot Doha Hany in a compelling final held at the Japoma Gymnasium on .
Youssri, who previously claimed the African Championship in 2022 and 2025, demonstrated dominance throughout the tournament, culminating in a decisive victory over Hany. The final unfolded with Youssri taking control from the outset, winning the first game 21-7. While Hany mounted a stronger challenge in the second, Youssri maintained her composure and secured the match with a 21-14 win.
This victory marks Youssri’s second consecutive African Championship title in the Women’s Singles discipline, solidifying her position as a leading force in African badminton. Her journey to the top hasn’t been without obstacles. A left Achilles injury in February 2023 sidelined her, jeopardizing her chances of competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Undeterred, Youssri relocated to Paris in 2025 and began training at Athletic Club Boulogne Billiancourt under the guidance of Luka Zdenjak. This change in environment and coaching appears to have yielded immediate results, as evidenced by her continued success on the continental stage.
Born on , Youssri’s path to badminton wasn’t preordained. Initially drawn to ballet and swimming, she discovered her passion for the sport at the age of seven while observing friends playing. Her parents, both athletes themselves, provided a supportive environment for her athletic pursuits.
Youssri’s current highest world ranking in Women’s Singles is 116, achieved on . She also holds a ranking of 109 in Women’s Doubles with Doha Hany, as of .
The Championships also saw success for Nigeria’s Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, who clinched his fifth consecutive and seventh overall Men’s Singles title. However, the Men’s Singles final was marred by an injury to Egypt’s Adham Hatem Elgamal, forcing his withdrawal from the Mixed Doubles final.
Youssri’s idol, Carolina Marín, serves as a source of inspiration for the Egyptian player. Her dedication and success are clearly influencing Youssri’s own ambitions as she continues to strive for greater achievements in the world of badminton. The win in Douala underscores her commitment and potential, positioning her as a key player to watch in upcoming international competitions.
Beyond her individual accolades, Youssri has also contributed to Egypt’s success in team events. She has secured medals in various Africa Mixed Team Championships (2021, 2023, and 2019), Africa Women’s Team Championships (2020, 2022, and 2026), and the Arab Championships (2024). Her early success also includes a medal at the African Youth Games in 2018 and multiple medals at the African Junior Championships in 2021.
The 2026 African Badminton Championships showcased not only the talent of Nour Ahmed Youssri but also the growing competitiveness of badminton across the continent. Her victory is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the impact of her training under Luka Zdenjak in Paris. As she continues to develop, Youssri is poised to become a prominent figure in the international badminton scene, carrying the hopes of Egyptian and African badminton fans alike.