Traditoinal sports in Palestine, under the Turkish influence, were horse racing, running, wrestling and swimming. These games generally became a stepping stone in the path of modern day Palestinian sports. It was only under the British rule when the sports played were modernized and football gained popularity over time.
Football is described as the national sport of Palestine, and is the most popular sport. The Palestine National Football Team represents the country internationally; their biggest win was 11-0 over Guam in 2006. Furthermore, the team successfully reached an all-time high position of 94th Ranking after winning the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup.
The Palestine Marathon began in 2013 and is held on takes place on the streets of Bethlehem, Palestine. The marathon was created to highlight restrictions in Palestinian freedom of movement, especially for Palestinian women.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Palestine. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.
Popular sports of Palestine
- Football (Soccer), Running, Rugby, Boxing, Horse Racing
Palestine Sporting Success
- 2014 AFC Challenge Cup champions
Great athletes from Palestine
Palestine Sports trivia
- Palestine has sent a team to all Summer Olympics since their debut in 1996.
- Maher Abu Rmeileh, a judo participant at the 2012 London Games, was theĀ first Palestinian to ever officially qualify for the Olympics on merit (all previous participants were by invitation)
Palestine at major events
Past sporting events hosted in Palestine
Upcoming sporting events in Palestine
Annual sporting events held in Palestine
- The Palestine Marathon
- West Bank Premier League (Association Football)
- Gaza Strip League (Association Football)