Toka Khaled Inspires Egyptian Girls and Encourages Them to Discover Their Talents

All over the ages, Egyptian females have proven their intensity, inspiration, and power to break all the borders that can stop them. Toka Khaled, the young Egyptian parkour player, and the role model for the determined Egyptian girl who has already embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and pursuing her passions. CO Magazine was keen to delve into the extraordinary world of Toka and to know more about her experiment in Parkour. We were lucky and thrilled to have the chance to interview her.

Hello Toka… We are passionate about learning more about you, would you mind telling us some details about you?

I’m Toka Khaled, 21 years old. I studied at the Faculty of Economics & Political Science for two years, but I felt that the field of work after graduation wouldn't be suitable for me and I didn’t have any passion to proceed with it. I made a hard decision where I decided to start from scratch in another field, and join the Faculty of Fine Arts to study graphic design. Now, I feel that this is my career and passion which I was looking to study long ago.

Many people around criticize me for this decision but I have faith that I will succeed since I love what I do and find myself in it, regardless of when I graduate. Besides being satisfied and happy with all of my milestones, also I love handcrafting and have my own business called “TG Handcrafts".

What is Parkour and when did it start in Egypt?

Parkour is an adventure that began in France in the 1990s and started in Egypt in 2008 and many Egyptian players practiced it outside Egypt before it appeared here. Parkour is a type of physical education and lifestyle that aims to overcome obstacles by moving, running, jumping, and climbing from one point to another in an urban environment. Parkour can be considered a human adventure, helping a practitioner to overcome their fears and develop their physical and mental abilities.

And how did you know about parkour and why were you interested in playing it?

I've played sports since I was little. Volleyball was my favorite game, and I played it for roughly eight years. I had various issues that prevented me from practicing for two years, but I was able to resume playing for another year. I was then forced to quit playing volleyball due to an injury.

While browsing Instagram, I watched an opening ceremony of a Parkour Hall at Cairo International Stadium, called "Eagle Nest Academy", which is owned by actor Ramez Amir. Since that moment, I have felt a strong desire to try this game

Initially, I was terrified, but I decided to go with the flow and become the first female to practice Parkour in this place.

As a part of the gymnastics game, Parkour changed my life by giving me the strength, confidence, and capacity to overcome all of my worries. It also made me more flexible and able to jump from one spot to another.

Did you face any difficulties in joining it, and what was the reaction of the people around you (family, friends, and others)?

Not at all, I didn’t face any obstacles. However, at the beginning, my family refused because they were worried about me as it's a challenging and risky game.

On the contrary, when people find out that I am a girl who plays this game, they are amazed, and many girls are encouraged to play it.

Who is your role model in parkour and also in your life in general?

My role models in parkour are two people. The first one is my coach, Mahmoud Orabi. He is the main motivator who made me love this sport and encouraged me to become the first female to participate. I was impressed by his videos, and now he is my coach, the main reason for the level that I have reached.

The other one is coach Omar Yasser, one of the most talented parkour players. He has taught me many skills, and I am addicted to watching him play.

Do you encourage girls to participate in the same sport, and why?

I constantly encourage girls to engage in the experience and give it a shot without worry. Parkour is a game that can inspire females to take on many daring challenges. The most significant matter is that it makes girls stronger, capable, and confident in themselves.

What are your main goals in terms of sports, personal life, and professional life?

Now Alhamdulillah, after two and a half years of playing parkour, I have become a coach. I aspire to become a significant figure in parkour and to make more and more girls aware of this sport. I want them to have no fear and to show that any girl who wants to succeed in it can do so. I genuinely encourage girls, boys, children, and adults to try playing parkour.

Where do you see yourself in parkour and what do you aspire to achieve in it?

Parkour is considered a part of gymnastics, so God willing, there will be championships soon. I wish to participate in the championship, win, and raise awareness about the game in Egypt.

The game is under the Gymnastics Federation because as I said, it’s a branch of gymnastics, and we have actually requested for the game to be recognized internationally, and they are currently preparing for that.

What are your main interests, and do you have any other hobbies?

Parkour is my main interest that takes most of my time besides my own business that I have previously mentioned.