Sports and Recreation in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a great place for the sports lovers; the people of Jerusalem are as enthusiastic as in any part of the world. The rugged terrain gives the people o Jerusalem ample opportunity for various sports activities. The two most popular sports in Jerusalem and Israel are football and basketball. The people are so passionate about these two sports that it has become almost a religion.

Beitar Jerusalem Football Club is the most popular team in among all the teams in Israel. Its matches have often been attended by many numerous former and current political figures. It is only Israeli football team with the largest following ever in this country. The Beitar Jerusalem Football Club has won the Israel state cup five times in the years of 1976, 1979, 1985, 1986, and 1989. Beitar Jerusalem Football Club's arch rival is the Hapoel Jerusalem Football Club

Apart from football, the other sport that has found immense popularity in Jerusalem is Basketball. Hapoel Jerusalem is the second best team in Israel after Maccabi Tel Aviv. However the team Hapoel Jerusalem has won quite a number of championships in the years 1996, 1997 and 2007.

Tennis is also gaining popularity with its ace players like Amos Mansdorf, Anna Smashnova and Shahar Pe'er going up in the world ranks. Apart from football and basketball, the other recreational sports and activities in Jerusalem include Martial arts, Baseball, Athletics, Handball and Maccabiah Games (which are held once every four years in Israel)

The stadiums that serves as Jerusalem's primary sport destination is that of Teddy Kollek Stadium. Since its foundation in the year 1989 the stadium has been a host to numerous high profile league matches. It is a multi use stadium that has gained popularity over the years. The stadium has a capacity of around 21,000 people.