Ideology, politics and sport in Egypt

Abstract

This paper discusses the status of sport in contemporary Egypt, providing a brief background from Ancient Egypt through its Roman period and Islamic era. The British are credited with the introduction of modern organized sport into Eygpt. With the rise of nationalism and relative affluence of middle-class Egyptians, the number of athletic clubs increased between the two world wars. Nasser's Egypt witnessed the spread of sport via rural and youth clubs where physical educators play important roles in increased sport participation in today's Egypt. Sport organizations, although autonomous, are financed completely by the Egyptian government.