From a very long period in history, Egyptian people are known for their fitness and level of energy in doing different activities. Sport has always remained very important for the Egyptian people and the sporting culture of present times has its root in ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egypt Sports:
The scenes depicted on the walls of pyramids and temples excavated in Egypt bear a testimony to the fact that ancient Egyptian people were very much involved in sports activities.According to the inscriptions, most of the Ancient Egyptians played wrestling, weight lifting, swimming, fishing, rowing, athletics, long jump, shooting, boxing, handball, javelin throw and a host of other sport activities. Apart from these, marathons were quite common among the Ancient Egyptian sporting activities. The rules followed in the modern day sports are also mainly based on the ones practiced by the Ancient Egyptians.
In the modern times, football and beach handball are the most lovable sports of the Egyptians and people are fast gaining interest in them. Many are even participating in international games like Olympics in these sport events.
Tennis in Egypt
Tennis in Egypt has seen a rather slow progress, but the enthusiasm towards the game is pretty high. Egypt has been participating in tennis tournaments for long.
The Egyptian Tennis federation has been the chief nation body that has been training and organizing the Egyptian tennis players for national and international level tennis matches. Egyptian tennis participation has been rather limited. The Davis cup and the Fed cup are the only two international tennis tournaments in which Egypt has played any significant game.
The Egypt Davis Cup Team of 1986 is well remembered for their match against Malta, where it secured an easy victory by 5-0 score. In spite of this marvelous win, the Egyptian tennis team could not live up to the expectations in the quarter final round against Bulgaria. Bulgaria won by 3 points but Egypt made its stamina felt at the international level. Egypt was playing with the European zone. The Davis cup is meant only for men and so the women tennis players of Egypt were not a part of this tournament.
Tennis in Egypt can reach better heights with better coaches and funding. There is no doubt in the fact that the Egyptian tennis players are very industrious. More exposure and practice is required for them to make the Egyptian Tennis Federation proud of its players.
Football in Egypt
Football in Egypt dates back to the ancient periods, which is clearly depicted in the wall paintings found on the museums and Egyptian pyramids of the past. Even in the olden days, ball games were very popular with the Egyptians as seen in most of the paintings. In the present times, the game of football has become a national craze with Egyptians.
The Egyptian Premier League for the 2006 / 2007 season has 16 teams. The two most popular football clubs of Egypt include Zamalek and Ahly. Other popular clubs are Itihad, al-Mokawlooan al-Arab, Masri and Isma ili among others. Some of the popular Egyptian footballers include Ahmed Fathi, Ahmed Hassan, Beshir El Tabei, Hossam Ghaly, Ahmed Mido Hossam, Amir Azmy, Wael Reyad and many others.
