Squash legend Amr Shabana acquires Mahara Sports Management

Amr Shabana is stepping into the world of sports management: Six-time squash world champion Amr Shabana has announced the acquisition of Mahara Sports Management for an undisclosed amount, according to a statement (pdf). Shabana has partnered with marketing consultancy ctrl+ for the venture to nurture athletic talent, develop training methods, and create partnerships with the public and private sectors.

Mahara will be hard at work supporting Olympians for the 2028 games in Los Angeles, Shabana told EnterpriseAM, explaining that “through Mahara, we aim to provide comprehensive support for athletes, from career management to scheduling and travel arrangements, allowing them to focus entirely on their training and performance.” Being a professional athlete is a full-time job, so the idea is to “step in and provide that critical support so these athletes can dedicate themselves fully to their craft and perform at their absolute best.”

Shabana is confident that he will be working with some of the country’s top talent, telling us that he is “committed to working with our current and upcoming champions, not just because I’ve walked in their shoes, but because I understand the pressures and opportunities that come with representing Egypt on the world stage.”

“We can’t afford to become complacent” when it comes to our dominance in squash, Shabana told us. Although Egypt has been at the top of the sport for a good 14 years, with squash now being part of the Olympics “countries like the USA, China, and India are stepping up their programs with a clear focus on Olympic gold.” Shabana added that “these nations are investing heavily, creating new systems, and setting ambitious targets.”

When it comes to keeping to the top of the sport, “investment is crucial,” as it lets athletes focus on the sport and not logistical or financial obstacles, Shabana explained. “We’ve seen how investments in sports like tennis and gymnastics have propelled nations to global prominence. Egypt can replicate these success stories in squash and beyond.“