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Sports are exceedingly integral to the culture of Argentina, particularly fútbol (soccer). Some might even contend that soccer has become a national obsession. In 1978 and 1986, Argentina was able to win the World Cup and the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics for men’s soccer. Such popular soccer figures as Diego Maradona have kept the sport alive with crazed soccer fans, columnists, and paparazzi busily entertained for the past 10 years.

Other important sports in Argentina include field hockey, tennis, and rugby. In addition, Argentina took home the gold medal for men’s basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Polo is another popular sport in Argentina, especially among the rich, as it was heavily influenced by English customs. The official national sport of the country is pato, which is highly reminiscent of polo but rarely played.

Most of the population of Argentina remains actively involved in some sport or at least some form of physical exercise, such as running or walking. The three most popular physical activities of this nature include riding a bicycle, going to a gym, or football practice.

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