For a large part of the 19th century and early 20th century, the predominantly popular forms of sports in Malta were derived from British influence. Horse racing was quite popular around that time, along with Regatta and other such sports.
However, with the advent of modernism in the country, other more modern forms of sports also found their way into the country and were embraced wholeheartedly by the locals. Today, Maltese enjoy many forms of sports, and this article highlights five of the most popular sports in the country. Let’s have a look.
Football In Malta
It is hard to find a place in Malta where football is not played. It is even harder to find a local who does not play or at least watch football matches. Locals are diehard fans and closely follow their favourite international teams, including Italy and England.
Be it the streets, playgrounds, parks, schools, colleges, or fields, you will find people, young and old, playing football. It was the British colonists who introduced the sport to Malta during their rule in the 19th century. The soldiers stationed in the region played it as a form of entertainment, and slowly the locals grew fond of the sport as well.
Initially, football was played at a beginner’s level informally. The league system was introduced in the country in 1909. The country’s major league is the Maltese Premier League, which has 14 teams. The national team currently ranks 168 in the world and has played successful matches against various countries that have even qualified for the World Cup.
Various football playing facilities have recently been opened in the country to help develop the sport.
Bocci In Malta
A traditional sport that is quite popular in Malta is Bocci. It was introduced in Malta in the 16th century. It is the local version of British bowls, French Petanque, or Italian bocce. Small Bocci clubs called Klabbs tal-Boċċi around the country organise the game and are very popular with the locals in their respective vicinities.
In Bocci, the shape of the balls is different. They are more cylindrical compared to their foreign counterparts. The game is played on a flat surface between two individuals or teams of two to four people.
Horse Racing In Malta
The next popular sport on our list is horse racing. The earliest traces of horse racing in Malta can be found in the 15th century when the Knights of Malta introduced it in the country. The locals were encouraged to participate in the races as well. A popular horse racing festival named the Imnarja Horse Race originated around the same time. In present times, it is held as an annual festival in Rabat in June every year.
The most prominent facility for horse racing in Malta is Marsa Racecourse. The racecourse hosts various trotting racing events that are usually held between October and May. Races are organised on Sundays to encourage maximum participation. For the trot races, the horses are tied to a wheeled cart.
Regatta In Malta
The next sport on our list is Regatta. It is a very popular traditional form of a rowing race. Every year the Maltese have a national regatta event in September and March. The locals hold this event to celebrate and commemorate the end of colonial rule, foreign occupation of their land, and the end of its invasion. The event comprises over ten races, each having a distance of 1,040 metres.
The rowing races held in the Regatta event are of two categories. One category is reserved for professional rowers, while the second category is reserved for amateurs. The types of boats used in the Regatta races are dgħajsa tal-midalji and Kajjik. These events are very popular with the locals who come to the Grand Harbour to witness the rowers in action, making the Regatta event one of the most popular sporting events in Malta.
Rugby In Malta
Rugby is another popular sport in Malta. The sport was introduced in the country via the Maltese immigrants who had returned from Australia. The country’s national men’s team, also known as Malta Knights, is currently one of the strongest teams, and as of 2022, it ranks 10th in the world.
Top players from the Maltese national team are also currently part of the English Super League, including Jake Mamo and Jarrod Sammut. Besides the national team, Malta also has a rugby league which currently comprises 285 players, many of whom are Australians. Malta is also home to Rugby Union, which has almost 2500 registered players. The national team has scored impressively against countries including Latvia, Croatia, and Sweden.
Besides these five sports, other popular sports in Malta include motorsports, basketball, volleyball, etc.
FAQs
What Is The Malta National Sport?
The national sport of Malta is widely recognized as football (soccer), which holds a special place in Maltese culture. The Malta Football Association (MFA) governs the sport, and football is played at various levels including a national league, a second division, and numerous amateur leagues. Malta’s national football team actively competes in international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship qualifiers, showcasing the nation’s love and dedication to the sport.
Additionally, other sports like basketball, rugby, water sports, tennis, and athletics also enjoy popularity in Malta. The country’s Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal location for outdoor and water sports, adding to the diverse range of sporting activities available. Malta’s geographical location and stunning coastal scenery further enhance the appeal of these sports, particularly activities like diving and sailing.
It’s important to note that while football is the most prominent sport, the Maltese sporting scene is quite varied, reflecting the archipelago’s rich sporting heritage and the wide array of interests among its people.
