Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Egypt: Egypt is a country with a rich sporting culture, and there are many popular sports that Egyptians enjoy. Football is the most popular sport in the country, but several other sports are enjoyed by Egyptians, such as basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, etc. Egypt has also produced some world-class athletes in these sports, and it has hosted several major international sporting events.
The top 10 Most Popular Sports in Egypt are Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Tennis, Squash, Swimming, Boxing, Table Tennis, and Taekwondo. In this article, we will look into the list of top 10 most popular sports in Egypt in detail.
About Popular Sports in Egypt
Egypt’s sports culture is deeply ingrained in the nation’s history, stretching back thousands of years. Football is undoubtedly the most adored and well-liked sport in the country, bringing large audiences to stadiums and viewers to TVs throughout the country. Egypt’s national football team, nicknamed “The Pharaohs,” has a passionate fan base, and the nation’s teams, especially Al Ahly and Zamalek, have a legendary rivalry that draws spectators in.
In addition to football, other popular sports include handball, basketball, and squash. Egyptians are especially good at squash, producing world champions, and winning international tournaments. Egypt’s rich athletic talent and the country’s love of traditional and modern sports are displayed in this multifaceted sports culture.
Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Egypt
Egypt has a rich history of sports, dating back to ancient times. The Egyptians were known for their love of athletics, and they participated in a variety of sports, including wrestling, boxing, swimming, and archery. Today, Egypt is still a very sports-loving country, and there are many popular sports that Egyptians enjoy. The following table lists the top 10 most popular sports in Egypt:
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Sport
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Most Played Locations in Egypt
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Football
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Cairo, Alexandria, Giza
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Basketball
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Cairo, Alexandria
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Volleyball
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Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan
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Handball
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Cairo, Alexandria, Giza
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Tennis
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Cairo, Alexandria
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Squash
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Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor
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Swimming
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Cairo, Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh
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Boxing
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Cairo, Alexandria, Giza
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Table Tennis
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Cairo, Alexandria
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Taekwondo
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Cairo, Alexandria, Giza
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10. Tenth Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that has become increasingly popular in Egypt over the past few decades. It is now the tenth most popular sport in the country, with over 100,000 registered practitioners.
- Taekwondo is characterized by its emphasis on high kicks and spinning techniques. It is a physically demanding sport that requires both strength and agility. Taekwondo is also a very disciplined sport, and practitioners are expected to follow a strict code of conduct.
- There are many reasons why taekwondo has become so popular in Egypt. One reason is that it is a relatively new sport in the country, and people are always looking for new and exciting activities to try.
- Another reason is that taekwondo is a very effective form of self-defense. It can be used to protect oneself from attackers, and it can also help to build confidence and self-esteem.
- Taekwondo is also a very popular sport for children. It is a great way for them to learn discipline, respect, and self-control. Taekwondo can also help children to develop their physical fitness and coordination.
9. Ninth Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Table Tennis
Table tennis is the ninth most popular sport in Egypt. It is also known as ping pong. It is an indoor sport where two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using small solid rackets. The objective of the game is to prevent the opponent from returning the ball within the rules.
- Table tennis originated in England in the late 19th century. It was originally played as a parlor game by the upper class. The game quickly spread to other parts of the world and became popular among all classes.
- The first table tennis world championships were held in London in 1926. The sport was added to the Olympic program in 1988.
- Table tennis is a popular sport in Egypt. There are an estimated 150,000 table tennis players in the country. The most famous table tennis player from Egypt is Ismail El Shafei. He was the world champion in 1999 and 2001.
- Table tennis is a relatively inexpensive sport to play. All that is needed is a table, two rackets, and a ball. The game can be played indoors or outdoors.
8. Eighth Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Boxing
Boxing is a combat sport in which two people fight with their fists. The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Sumerian carvings in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC.
- Egyptians adopted boxing from the local populace when they invaded Nubia. Boxing was a popular sport in Ancient Egypt, and was often included in religious ceremonies and festivals.
- Boxing is still a popular sport in Egypt today. Egypt has produced many notable boxers, including Muhammad Ali, who is considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time.
- Boxing is a physically demanding sport that requires a great deal of strength, stamina, and skill. Boxers must be able to punch with power and accuracy, and they must also be able to defend themselves against their opponent’s punches.
- Boxing is a dangerous sport, and there is always the risk of injury. However, boxing can also be a very rewarding sport. Boxers who are successful can earn a lot of money and fame.
7. Seventh Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Swimming
Swimming is the 7th most popular sport in Egypt. The ancient Egyptians were very fond of swimming and boating. Both boys and girls were taught to swim at a young age, and swimming competitions were a popular spectator sport.
- The Nile River was the primary location for swimming in ancient Egypt, and noblemen’s palaces often had swimming pools where princes could learn the sport. Swimming was also a popular recreational activity for the general population.
- Today, swimming is still a popular sport in Egypt, and there are many swimming pools and clubs throughout the country. Egyptian swimmers have competed in the Olympic Games since 1936, and have won several medals.
- One of the most famous Egyptian swimmers is Mohamed Hegazy, who won a gold medal in the 1500 meter freestyle at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Hegazy is also the current world record holder in the 800 meter freestyle.
- Another notable Egyptian swimmer is Farida Osman, who won a bronze medal in the 50 meter butterfly at the 2017 World Championships. Osman is also the African record holder in the 50 meter butterfly and the 100 meter butterfly.
6. Sixth Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Squash
Squash is a popular sport in Egypt. The country has been producing top players since the 1930s, and it is believed that former president Hosni Mubarak, a keen player himself, gave it a major boost in the 1990s.
- As of 2018, Egypt was a squash superpower. It has the most men’s world champions of any country, with Mohamed El Shorbagy, Ali Farag, and Karim Abdel Gawad currently ranked in the top three in the world.
- Squash is also popular among women in Egypt, with Raneem El Weleily and Nour El Tayeb currently ranked in the top two in the world.
- The popularity of squash in Egypt is due to a number of factors. Firstly, the country has a strong tradition of squash, with many young Egyptians growing up playing the game in local clubs and schools.
- The success of Egyptian squash players has also helped to boost the popularity of the sport in the country. Egyptians are proud of their squash players, and they enjoy watching them compete on the world stage.
5. Fifth Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Tennis
Tennis is the fifth most popular sport in Egypt. It is a popular sport in Egypt, and there are many tennis courts in the country.
- The Egyptian Tennis Federation was established in 1925. The Egyptian national tennis team has competed in the Davis Cup since 1929.
- Tennis is a racquet sport that is played by two or four players. The object of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in such a way that the opponent cannot return it. Tennis can be played as a singles match (one player against one player) or as a doubles match (two players against two players).
- Tennis is a popular sport in Egypt because it is a relatively easy sport to learn and play. It is also a relatively inexpensive sport to play, as all that is needed is a racquet, a ball, and a net. Tennis is also a popular sport in Egypt because it is a social sport.
- There are many famous Egyptian tennis players. The most famous Egyptian tennis player is Ismail El Shafei. El Shafei was the first Egyptian tennis player to win a Grand Slam title. He won the French Open in 1973. Other famous Egyptian tennis players include Karim Alami, Tamer El Sawy, and Youssef Hossam.
4. Fourth Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Handball
Handball is the third most popular sport in Egypt, along with basketball, squash, and tennis.
- The Egyptian Handball League showcases the country’s best talent, and the men’s national team consistently ranks among the world’s top teams.
- The Egyptian men’s team has had a considerable rise over the past couple of decades, becoming African champions in January 2020 and booking their place at the Tokyo Games.
- Handball originated in Ancient Egypt, and has gained popularity due to successful Egyptian teams on the international stage.
- The sport is engaging for players and spectators alike, and can be seen in the rise of Egyptian players playing abroad, as well as a shift in the salary structure that finally allows players to focus on handball full time.
3. Third Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Volleyball
Volleyball is the third most popular sport in Egypt. It is particularly popular in Cairo, where the clubs al-Ahli and Zamalek have won dozens of domestic championships and continent-wide trophies. Their matches are some of the most watched events in Egypt.
- The Egypt men’s national volleyball team has appeared in the Summer Olympics five times, first in 1976. The Egypt women’s national volleyball team has won the African Women’s Volleyball Championship four times.
- Zamalek Women’s Volleyball was the first Egyptian team to qualify for an international tournament. They were also the second Arab team and the third African team to compete in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship.
- In 2016, Egypt’s women’s beach volleyball team made history at the Rio Olympics by competing in hijabs. The team was made up of Doaa El-Ghobashy and Nada Meawad.
- The youngest team to ever compete in the Olympics was Egypt’s women’s beach volleyball team. The players, who were 18 and 19 years old, competed against a German team made up of players who were 25 and 30 years old.
2. Second Most Popular Sport in Egypt – Basketball
Basketball is the second most popular sport in Egypt. The Egyptian national basketball team won the African championship in 1983. Since then, basketball’s popularity in Egypt has risen. The team also holds records in the Basketball World Cup as well as the Summer Olympics.
- Egypt has a rich history of basketball. The first basketball game in Egypt was played in 1924. The Egyptian Basketball Federation was founded in 1934. The Egyptian national basketball team first competed in the FIBA World Championship in 1950.
- Basketball is played by people of all ages in Egypt. There are many basketball leagues and tournaments in the country. The Egyptian Premier League is the top basketball league in Egypt. The Egyptian Cup is the top basketball cup competition in Egypt.
- Basketball is a popular sport to watch in Egypt. The Egyptian national basketball team is one of the most popular teams in the country. The team’s games are often broadcast on television.
- Basketball is also a popular sport to play in Egypt. There are many basketball courts in the country. Basketball is a popular sport for children and adults alike.
Football is the most popular sport in Egypt, with many Egyptians watching Egyptian clubs and the Egyptian national football team play daily.
- The Egyptian national football team, known as the “Pharaohs”, has won the African Cup of Nations seven times, including three consecutive wins in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
- Egypt has also participated in the World Cup twice, in 1934 and 1990, and is one of only three African national teams to enter the world’s top ten FIFA rankings.
- The Egyptian Premier League is also very popular, with Al Ahly and Zamalek being the two most popular clubs. These two clubs are based in Cairo and have won the league a combined total of 57 times. Their rivalry is one of the fiercest in world football.
- Football is so popular in Egypt that it is played by people of all ages and social classes. It is a great way for people to come together and bond over their shared love of the game.
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Summary – Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Egypt
In conclusion, football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Egypt by far. Egyptians gather around to watch games of the Egyptian national football team and various Egyptian clubs almost daily. The Egyptian Premier League is a significant part of the culture. Other popular sports in Egypt include wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, swimming, basketball, tennis, and squash. The men’s national basketball team has won the African championship, Basketball World Cup, and the Summer Olympics. The oldest evidence of athletics in the world dates back to 3800 BC in Memphis of ancient Egypt. Other sports well-developed and regulated in ancient Egypt included swimming, fishing, javelin throwing, high jump, and wrestling.
FAQs on Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Egypt
How many Africa Cup of Nations titles has Egypt won?
Egypt’s national team has won the tournament seven times.
Which cities are basketball hubs in Egypt?
Cairo and Alexandria are prominent cities for basketball in Egypt.
Where are major volleyball tournaments held in Egypt?
Major volleyball tournaments take place in Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan.
Which cities in Egypt have the most handball clubs?
Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza have the highest number of handball clubs in Egypt.
Where are main tennis facilities located in Egypt?
Main tennis facilities are found in Cairo and Alexandria, serving to players of all levels.
What city of Egypt is famous for squash?
Cairo is famous as the hub for squash in Egypt, producing world-class players.
What are popular swimming destinations in Egypt?
Cairo, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh are popular destinations for swimming in Egypt.
Where are major boxing gyms found in Egypt?
Major boxing gyms are located in Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza, encouraging the sport’s development.
Which cities host active table tennis clubs in Egypt?
Cairo and Alexandria host active table tennis clubs, nurturing talented players.
Where can one find taekwondo training centers in Egypt?
Taekwondo training centers are abundant in Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza, offering professional instruction.
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