If you're considering moving to Panama, you will be delighted at its diverse sports culture. From professional stadiums to local sports bars buzzing with fans, sports play a central role in Panamanian community life. Whether it is catching a football game, watching a boxing match or practicing water sports in the country's oceans, newcomers can connect with locals through numerous activities and enjoy Panama's rich outdoor life.
The most popular sports in Panama
Football
Many sports are practiced in Panama, but the main passion of Panamanians is football (known as “soccer” in the United States). These days, due to the global nature of the game, local players participate in professional leagues worldwide. This fact is, perhaps, to the detriment of the national football scene, as countries with more available resources quickly scoop up emerging talent.
The national football team has succeeded in the regional tournaments organized by CONCACAF, FIFA's branch encompassing North and Central America and the Caribbean. In 2018, for the first time, Panama qualified for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Russia.
There are professional football stadiums and amateur clubs in Panama. Football fields are scattered around the country, allowing fans to put their passion into action. Sports bars are popular here. When major international leagues take place, these establishments bustle with sports lovers cheering for their idols.
While football is widely loved, the two most famous Panamanian sports figures were a boxer and a baseball player.
Boxing
Roberto Duran was a hard-as-nails fighter, a world champion in four weight divisions. He won 103 of his 119 fights on the way to several world titles, with 70 of those victories coming by knockout. Perhaps he could have achieved even more had his career as a middleweight and welterweight not overlapped with those of other boxing legends, such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns.
His life and achievements were celebrated in the 2016 film Hands of Stone (Duran's nickname), which starred Robert de Niro. Duran himself appeared in Rocky II as Sylvester Stallone's sparring partner. Interestingly, Rocky's surname, “Balboa,” is also the name of Panama's local currency pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio.
Another iconic boxer, Panama Al Brown, was a leading figure in the 1920s and 1930s. A boyish-looking bantamweight, he became the first Hispanic world titleholder.
There are many gyms and training facilities well-equipped for boxing in this country. Both men and women in Panama love this sport, as it provides a fun full-body workout.
Baseball
Panama has a robust national league and a passionate fan base for baseball. Mariano Rivera, a legendary Major League Baseball player, is considered the best closer in MLB history. He was born in Panama and spent his entire career with the New York Yankees, winning five World Series championships. In 2019, he became the first unanimous inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In Panama, large baseball stadiums for professionals, Little League fields and baseball academies offer the enthusiasts of this sport countless opportunities for practice.
Cricket
The famous cricketer born in Colón, Panama, was George Headley, a brilliant batsman who represented the West Indies before and after the Second World War. While the West Indies is commonly seen as a group of islands in the Caribbean, cricket is what unites them. Other countries, such as Guyana, have also contributed players to the game.
Cricket was introduced to Panama by Caribbean workers who arrived for the Panama Canal construction. While today it is not a high-profile sport here (and is currently struggling with a shortage of venues), there is a Panamanian Cricket Association and two cricket clubs in Panama City.
Other popular sports in Panama
The nature of this tropical gem promotes outdoor activities such as cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding. Panama's geographic location between two oceans allows for the enjoyment of water sports such as surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The mountainous region of Chiriquí is renowned for its rafting.
Golf is also popular. The growing number of courses may be due to the influx of foreign retirees looking for a healthy, low-impact outdoor activity. Panamanians inevitably pick up on the trend.
Tennis has always been a favorite workout for both locals and expats. Lately, padel has become trendy, and new courts are popping up around the country.
Takeaway
Panama has a diverse sports culture. The country has produced legendary sports figures in boxing and baseball. Football is the most popular sport nationwide. Panama's rich geography and favorable climate promote outdoor activities, from mountain biking and cycling to surfing and kayaking. This tropical gem is a true paradise for sports enthusiasts.
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