Ismail Ahmed enters the Guinness Book of World Records

Egyptian player Ismail Ahmed, star of the Lebanese club Al-Riyadi, has been inducted into the Guinness World Records as the oldest basketball player to record three triple-doubles in a single game, coinciding with his team’s celebration of winning the Lebanese League title. The record involves achieving a “triple-double” (more than 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in one game), which he broke during a Lebanese League match against Homenetmen Beirut.

Ismail Ahmed surpassed the official record held by legendary American player Karl Malone, who was 40 years old when he set the record in the book. Ahmed stated on his Facebook account: “The oldest basketball player to achieve three triple-doubles, at the age of 49 years and 243 days,” and posted a photo of himself receiving his certificate of induction into the book during the break of the final match between Al-Riyadi and Al-Hekmeh.

Al-Riyadi defeated Al-Hekmeh 100-79 in Game 7 of the series, which is decided on a best-of-seven basis, in the championship final to claim the title. Ahmed, one of the most prominent basketball players in the Arab world, broke the record on May 24 during the match against Homenetmen Beirut, thanks to his illustrious career with Al-Riyadi and Al-Ittihad Alexandria.

Ahmed has won the Lebanese League title 17 times, including 16 titles with Al-Riyadi and one with Homenetmen. He also won the Egyptian League three times with Al-Ittihad Alexandria and claimed the Asian club championship, the continent’s premier club competition, twice in 2011 and 2024 with Al-Riyadi. Additionally, he won two bronze medals with the Egyptian national team at the African Championship.