Sports in Malta

Malta's climate allows visitors, as well as locals, to enjoy an array of land and water sports. 

 

Football is considered one of the prominent sports in Malta, as well as one of the oldest of all the national sports disciplines. Maltese citizens are highly devoted fans of both Italian and UK teams and thus matched of the local team against the mentioned foreign teams are highly followed and awaited for. Malta Football Association (MFA) represents the national football teams of all ages and both genders. 

 

Following Football, Rugby is also highly practiced, followed and cheered for, especially since the national Rugby team is competitive internationally, and ranks amongst the best teams. Cricket is another sports played locally, but taking into account the countries’ small size one finds only four teams playing cricket and just one ground to practice on. 

 

Clay pigeon/skeet shooting is also very popular amongst Maltese citizens, with competitive shootings taking place every Sunday mornings. Laws and regulations should be attentively followed before the practice of such sports. 

 

Horseracing also holds a long tradition in Malta; the popular bareback horse races that take place annually date back to the 15th century. These races form part of the traditional celebrations of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (il-Festa tal-Imnarja). In the past time these were greatly encouraged by the Knights of Malta; especially during the reign of Grand Masters de Verdalle and de Lascaris-Castellar. The tradition was revived and strengthened after the First World War under British Governor, Lord Plumer, were the first Marsa races were held on 12th and 13th of April 1869.

 

One common, traditional Maltese sport is the game of Bocce or Boules (Bocci). The game is played on a smooth surface covered with coarse-grained sand, with teams of three players. Boċċi clubs are common throughout Malta, and also amongst the Maltese emigrant communities, namely Australia, Canada and the United States.

 

Water sports are also popular in Malta, especially Waterpolo, paragliding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing and scuba diving. 

 

Sailing regattas are also held regularly between the months of April and November, when the weather is at its best.

Moreover, the most prestigious race on the yachting calendar is definitely The Rolex Middle Sea Race. This can be considered as one of the great classic offshore races, and is ranked besides the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart.