Q&A: WAEL EL HINDI
WAELELHINDI Q&A
Egypt’s Wael El Hindi talks to International Squash Magazine
Date of Birth: 25 June 1980 Place of Birth: Cairo Place of Residence: New York, USA Marital Status: Single Highest World Ranking: 8 (November 2008) World Tour Titles: 6 World Tour Finals: 11
Since making his debut on the international circuit in 1999, Wael El Hindi of Egypt has refused to allow himself to be overshadowed by the formidable presence of his compatriots. Often eye-catching on court, he is the only leading player to wear Nadal-style pirate pants, El Hindi has won six World Tour titles and risen to a career high ranking of World No.8.
Earliest sporting memory: The final of the World Junior Championships in 1998. It was just the start of my squash career and the best thing about it was that I was unseeded and I made it all the way to the final. I still remember it as if it was yesterday.
Sports watched: Football.
Sports played: Squash of course. I also like to play football and tennis.
Why a life in sport, if it hadn’t happened what would you have done instead? I always liked sport. I think I started at squash a lot later than the other guys
in the top eight, but I really enjoyed it and just kept playing. I also used to play tennis before squash and the funny thing is I came to squash by mistake - my uncle thought I played squash and he booked me on a squash camp for my birthday. I still don’t know if he did me a favour or not, although maybe he did as I really love the sport and believe it is the best sport in the world.
I used to want to be a pilot because I always loved flying and here I am – can’t stay home for more than a couple of days.
Toughest part of your sporting life: Kickboxing training! When I train with friends who do this for a living sometimes they forget that I am a squash player!
Most memorable sporting moment: One of the most special memories that I have is when I was a kid and the President of Egypt played squash with me. It was just a great feeling and I think it is enough to motivate anyone to become a champion.
Worst sporting moment: Losing with an injury. Thank God I haven’t and I pray that I don’t have a bad one that makes me stop playing the sport I love.
Sporting heroes: Muhammad Ali.
Favourite venue and why: At the pyramids in Egypt. I love that spot – it’s where I grew up and it just brings back so many good memories of being a kid.
INTERNATIONALSQUASHMAGAZINE June 2010 | 27
www.isportgroup.com/InternationalSquashMagazine
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