CAIRO, Aug 19 (Aswat Masriya) – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi praised and congratulated on Friday Egyptian champions who earned medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Egyptian athletes won three bronze medals at the ongoing Olympic Games in Brazil; Sara Samir clinched a bronze in the women’s weightlifting 69kg event, Mohamed Ehab won in the men's weightlifting 77kg class and Hedaya Malak secured her medal in the Taekwondo 57kg category.

“I would like to express my appreciation and pride of Egyptian youth who earned medals in the Olympic Games,” Sisi said according to his official Facebook page.

Sisi added that he had absolute confidence in the medalists' determination and their unlimited abilities.

“I am glad I chose Sara Samir, Hedaya Malak and Mohamed Ehab to stand next to me at the launch of the Year of Youth in January,” he added.

The three champions were invited in January to attend the celebration of the National Youth Day, which saw Sisi declare the year 2016 as the Year of Youth. The event saw the president being surrounded by youth who have excelled in their respective professions.