Early days: equestrian, fencing and archery
Saudi Arabia has a long and established history in sport. Even before it became a true country, the people of this land played sports such equestrian, fencing and archery because they were already part of their everyday lives. For more than two thousand years , parents taught their children how to ride a horse, and use a sword and bow and arrow so they could hunt for food and fight in intercity and family wars.
Three phases of modern sports history
There are generally thought to be three phases to Saudi Arabian sport during the last 100 years. Phase one was from 1927 to 1953 — when the first sports clubs were formed in the 1920s, and from the 1950s onwards there were regular competitions. Phase two was from 1953 to 1974, and is considered the development era, which saw basic regulations established, as well as the Kingdom compete in its first the Olympics in 1972. Phase three is from 1974 to present day, and during this time Saudi Arabia began to compete in competitions overseas.
Sporting achievements
Saudi Arabia’s peak sporting achievements have been qualifying for four of the last five FIFA World Cups. KSA athletes have won one silver and two bronze medals at the Olympic Games, as well as achieve an all time medal haul of 48 medals in the Asian Games — positioning them 23rd out of 43 competing nations.
Saudi Arabia History in Sports 