Sport in Malta
Malta, a small archipelago in the Mediterranean, has a vibrant and diverse sporting culture that reflects both its historical ties and modern interests.
Sailing boats in Malta's
Grand HarbourFootball is the most popular sport in Malta, with numerous clubs competing in local leagues and the Maltese national team participating in international competitions. The Malta Football Association, established in 1900, is one of the oldest football organizations in the world. Malta have competed in most qualifiers for the European Championship and World Cup, but have never made it to the finals of any major international competition.
Apart from football, water sports such as sailing, diving, and water polo are immensely popular, largely due to Malta's extensive coastline and favorable climate. These sports not only attract locals but also draw international competitors and tourists, contributing significantly to Malta's economy and cultural exchange.
Beyond water-based activities and football, Malta has a growing interest in a variety of other sports, including rugby, basketball, and athletics. The country hosts several annual sports events, like the Malta Marathon and the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which attract international participants and spectators. Malta also boasts a rich tradition in bocci, a traditional bowling game that remains a favorite pastime among locals.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Malta. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.
Popular sports of Malta
- Football (Soccer), rugby union, motorsports, watersports (sailing, water polo, windsurfing, wakeboarding, etc.), basketball, bocce.
Malta Sporting Success
- Malta’s top Olympic moment occurred in 1928 when its water polo team won a match, defeating Luxembourg 3-1.
Great athletes from Malta
- Andrew Hogg (football)
- Steve Borg (football)
Malta Sports trivia
- French-born Élise Pellegrin became the first-ever Maltese Winter Olympian when she competed in alpine skiing in 2014 and 2018. She was the sole Maltese representative both times. Prior to her competing in 2014, Malta was the only member of the European Olympic Committees that hadn't participated at the Winter Olympics.
- Malt is yet to win an Olympic medal. The one who has come closest is shooter William Chetcuti who only lost in the double trap by close margins on three consecutive occasions in 2004, 2008 and 2012.
Malta at major events
Past sporting events hosted in Malta
- 1993 Games of the Small States of Europe
- 2003 Games of the Small States of Europe
- 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe
Upcoming sporting events in Malta
Annual sporting events held in Malta
- Malta Marathon
- Rolex Middle Sea Race
Sporting Facilities in Malta
- Ta' Qali Stadium (Maltese for National Stadium),
- Malta Sports and Human Performance Centre
Related Pages
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events