Sports

Sport in Rwanda was traditionally a form of celebration, a friendly competition between community members during feasts and holidays, or a way to honor visiting dignitaries. Friends and family, particularly young men, would compete in events such as wrestling, high jumping, archery, and hurling a lance through a moving hoop.

Rwanda's modern sporting era began gradually in the middle of the twentieth century, with increased exposure to international sports such as football (soccer), volleyball, track and field (athletics), and, later, basketball. Football is the country's most popular team sport. Regular league play is held between senior and junior clubs, with the Rwanda Équipe Nationale de Football featuring the more accomplished players.

Rwanda made its Olympic debut in 1984, when runner Marcianne Mukamurenzi drew international attention for her unconventional training regimen; while working as a mail carrier and messenger for the Rwandan Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Culture, she sped from one destination to the next, making deliveries across Kigali's hilly terrain entirely on foot. Though the country has yet to win a medal, several athletes have performed admirably, including Mathias Ntawulikura and Ildephonse Sehirwa.

Sport in Rwanda is supported by the Rwandan government's Sports Development Policy, which was implemented in October 2012. This article contends that sports have a variety of benefits, including bringing people together, increasing national pride and unity, and improving health. The policy identifies obstacles to the development of sport in the country, such as a lack of infrastructure and financial resources. The most popular sports in Rwanda, according to research published by the University of the Western Cape's Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence for Sport Science and Development, are association football, volleyball, basketball, athletics, and paralympic sports.