Egypt is a country with a rich history and culture, and sports have played an important role in its society. Egyptians are passionate about sports and have excelled in various disciplines at both national and international levels. In this article, we will explore the top 5 sports in Egypt based on popularity and success.
Football, or soccer, is by far the most popular sport in Egypt. The country’s national team has won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, and the Egyptian Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in Africa. Both national clubs and the national team are supported on a daily basis by Egyptians. The most successful clubs in the country are Al Ahly and Zamalek, both located in Cairo.
Basketball is another popular sport in Egypt, with a growing number of fans and players. The country has a strong basketball league, and the national team has competed in various international competitions. Handball, volleyball, and squash are also among the top sports in Egypt, with talented athletes and successful teams. These sports have brought Egyptians together and have contributed to the country’s sporting success.
The Prevalence of Football in Egypt
Football is by far the most popular sport in Egypt. Egyptians of all ages and backgrounds play football, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the country’s remote villages. The Egyptian Premier League is the top professional league in the country, with 18 teams competing for the title.
Two of the most popular teams in the league are Al Ahly and Zamalek, both based in Cairo. The rivalry between the two teams is known as the Cairo Derby and is considered one of the biggest in African football.
Egypt has also had success on the international stage, winning the African Cup of Nations a record seven times. The Egyptian national team, also known as the Pharaohs, has millions of passionate fans and is considered one of the strongest teams in Africa.
Several Egyptian players have also achieved success abroad, including Mohamed Salah who currently plays for Liverpool in the English Premier League. Other notable players include Mohamed Elneny, Ahmed Elmohamady, and Mohamed Aboutrika.
Football is not just a sport in Egypt, it is a way of life. It is the national sport of Egypt and is passionately cherished, bridging communities with its vibrant fan culture.
The Rise of Handball as a National Sport
Handball is one of the most popular sports in Egypt and has been on the rise in recent years. The sport has gained a lot of popularity due to its success at the national and international levels. The Egyptian national handball team is one of the best in Africa and has won several medals in major competitions.
Handball is a team sport that involves two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by throwing a ball into the opponent’s goalpost. The sport is fast-paced and requires a lot of physical strength and stamina. Handball is played in over 150 countries worldwide and is one of the most popular sports in Europe.
Egypt has a long history of success in handball. The Egyptian national handball team has won several medals in major competitions, including the African Championship and the All Africa Games. The team has also qualified for the Olympics on several occasions and has been a regular participant in the World Championships.
Handball has become a national sport in Egypt and has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. The sport has a strong following in the country, with several clubs and leagues dedicated to the sport. The Egyptian Handball Federation is the governing body of handball in Egypt and is responsible for promoting and developing the sport in the country.
Some of the most notable players in Egyptian handball include Ahmed El-Ahmar, who is considered one of the best players in Africa. El-Ahmar has won several awards and accolades for his performances, including the African Player of the Year award. He has also played for several clubs in Europe and has helped to raise the profile of handball in Egypt.
In conclusion, handball has become a national sport in Egypt and has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. The sport has a rich history of success in the country and has produced several notable players. With the support of the Egyptian Handball Federation and the growing popularity of the sport, handball is set to continue its rise in Egypt and beyond.
Squash: Egypt’s Dominance on the Global Stage
Egypt’s squash players have been dominating the sport globally for decades. The country has produced some of the world’s best squash players, including Nour El Sherbini, Amr Shabana, Ali Farag, Mohamed El Shorbagy, Tarek Momen, Raneem El Weleily, Nour El Tayeb, and Karim Abdel Gawad.
Egypt’s success in squash can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the country has a highly competitive tournament structure, which provides a conducive environment for players to develop their skills. Secondly, the country boasts exceptional coaching, which helps players to hone their craft and reach their full potential.
Egypt’s squash players are also inspired by professional role models, who have set the bar high for aspiring players. The country’s relentless pursuit of excellence has also contributed to its success in squash.
Egypt has won numerous titles in squash, including African Championships, World Championships, and Olympic medals. The country’s squash players have set several records, including the most number of world championships won by a single player (Mohamed El Shorbagy) and the most number of consecutive world championships won by a single country (Egypt).
Egypt’s success in squash has also put the country on the map as a tourist destination for squash enthusiasts. The country’s iconic pyramids have been used as a backdrop for several squash tournaments, including the prestigious World Championships.
In conclusion, Egypt’s dominance in squash is a result of a combination of factors, including a highly competitive tournament structure, exceptional coaching, inspiration from professional role models, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Egypt’s squash players have set several records and won numerous titles, putting the country on the map as a tourist destination for squash enthusiasts.
Basketball and Tennis: Emerging Sports in Egypt
Basketball in Egypt
Basketball is a relatively new sport in Egypt, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. The Egyptian Basketball Super League was established in 1965, and it has been growing ever since. The league features some talented players, including Abdel Nader, Alaa Abdelnaby, Assem Marei, and Rami Ghanem, who have been making a name for themselves in the sport.
Egypt has also been making waves in international basketball competitions. The country has participated in the African Games, and in 2023, Cairo hosted the International Basketball Week. The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has also been a significant boost to the sport in Egypt. The BAL held its Nile Conference in Cairo in 2022 and 2023, and the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall hosted Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa in August-September 2022.
Tennis in Egypt
Tennis is another sport that has been gaining popularity in Egypt. The country has a long history of tennis, with the Egyptian Tennis Federation established in 1920. Egypt has also participated in various international tennis competitions, including the African Championship and the Olympics.
Ismail El Shafei and Adli El Shafei II are two of the most prominent tennis players from Egypt. Ismail El Shafei reached a career-high ranking of 18th in the world, while Adli El Shafei II won several titles in the 1950s and 60s.
The sport has been growing in popularity in recent years, with the establishment of several tennis clubs in Cairo and other cities. The country has also been hosting various international tennis events, including the Egypt Open, which attracts some of the best players from around the world.
Overall, basketball and tennis are emerging sports in Egypt, and they have been gaining popularity in recent years. The country has been making significant strides in both sports, and it will be interesting to see how they develop in the future.
Other Notable Sports and Athletic Pursuits
Aside from the top 5 sports in Egypt, there are other notable sports and athletic pursuits that are popular in the country. These sports have a significant following and have produced some of the best athletes in the world.
One of the most popular sports in Egypt is weightlifting. The country has a long history of producing world-class weightlifters, with several athletes winning gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Olympics and other international competitions. Egyptian weightlifters are known for their strength and technique, and the sport has a large following among fans and athletes alike.
Swimming and rowing are also popular sports in Egypt, thanks in part to the country’s proximity to the Nile River. Many young Egyptians learn to swim and row at a young age, and the country has produced several world-class athletes in these sports. Egyptian swimmers have won medals at the Olympics and other international competitions, and the country regularly sends teams to compete in swimming and rowing events around the world.
Boxing, wrestling, shooting, and fencing are also popular sports in Egypt, with many athletes competing at the highest levels of these sports. The country has produced several world champions in boxing and wrestling, and Egyptian shooters and fencers have also won medals at the Olympics and other international competitions.
Finally, fighting sports such as karate and taekwondo are growing in popularity in Egypt, particularly among young people. The country has produced several world-class fighters in these sports, and many young Egyptians are passionate about training and competing in them.
Overall, Egypt has a rich sporting culture, with a passion for athletics that is shared by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s weightlifting, swimming, rowing, or one of the many other sports that are popular in the country, Egypt has a long history of producing world-class athletes who have achieved success at the highest levels of competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sports are considered the most popular in Egypt today?
Undoubtedly, football is the most popular sport in Egypt. Egyptians have a deep passion for football and it is played everywhere, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the country’s remote villages. Apart from football, squash, tennis, basketball and handball are also popular sports in Egypt.
What is the traditional national sport of Egypt?
The traditional national sport of Egypt is considered to be Tahtib, also known as stick-fighting. It is a martial art that involves two participants using long sticks to strike each other while trying to avoid being hit themselves.
How does basketball rank among sports in Egypt?
Basketball is considered to be one of the popular sports in Egypt. The Egyptian Basketball Super League is the top-tier professional basketball league in the country, featuring top talents and teams. Egypt is the only African nation to host a FIBA World Cup (Under-19). They also have 17 medals in the African Basketball Championship.
In terms of popularity, where does football stand in Egypt?
Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Egypt. The Egyptian Premier League remains a significant part of the culture, featuring vibrant matches and fervent fans across the country. The Egyptian national football team is also one of the most successful in Africa, having won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times.
What modern sports have gained a significant following in Egypt?
In recent years, sports such as volleyball, handball, and basketball have gained a significant following in Egypt. These sports have become increasingly popular, especially among the younger generation.
Is squash recognised as a national sport in Egypt?
Squash is not officially recognised as a national sport in Egypt, but it is considered to be one of the most popular sports in the country. Egypt has produced some of the world’s top squash players, such as Ramy Ashour and Amr Shabana, who have both held the rank of “World’s Number One Squash Player”.
Can you bet on sports in Egypt?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Egypt, but only through licensed operators. The most popular sports to bet on in Egypt are football and basketball. However, it is important to note that gambling in any form is strictly prohibited in Islam, which is the predominant religion in Egypt.
