After losing both his arms in a train accident when he was just 10 years old, Ibrahim al-Husseiny Hamato, has had to overcome many challenges, just in day-to-day life. But with a steely determination and his motto “nothing is impossible” Hamato has managed to not just live an independent life, but also become an international sports star. He took up ping pong when he was 13, just three years after his accident.
“I was going to Damietta and I was sitting under the train when I lost both of my arms. After the accident, I was always spending time at a youth centre where only two sports were available: football and ping pong,” he said. He added that football was out of the question because he couldn’t maintain his balance. Among his swathe of disability awards are six international medals. “The African cup in 1990, the Egypt International in 2004, the Africa international in 2011 and 2013, and the Egypt International twice. These are the six international medals that I was awarded. When it comes to the league and the cup, I’ve been playing for four seasons at the Police Union Sports Club. Also, in the 6th group, I’m ranked between first and third place,” he said.

He says that anything is possible with practice and determination. “My motto is that nothing is impossible. I play ping pong with my mouth and I don’t feel like I don’t have arms, until I look into the mirror while wearing short sleeves,” he said. Hamato says with a strong will, anyone can accomplish their dreams, if they have enough determination and patience to fulfill their aspirations
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