Sports in Guadeloupe
Sports play an important role in Guadeloupean culture, with both recreational and professional participation across various disciplines. While Guadeloupe is a region of France, it also competes in some Caribbean sports competitions independently.
1. Football (Soccer) – Most Popular Sport
- Governing Body: Ligue Guadeloupéenne de Football (LGF)
- Guadeloupe is a member of CONCACAF and CFU, but not FIFA.
- This means it competes in regional tournaments like the Gold Cup, but not the World Cup.
- Top Local Clubs:
- CS Moulien
- US Baie-Mahault
- AS Gosier
- Famous Players (Guadeloupean descent):
- Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram, and Alexandre Lacazette (though they played for France)
- National Team: Regularly competes in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
2. Basketball
- Gaining popularity, especially among youth.
- Played in schools, clubs, and semi-professional leagues.
- Some Guadeloupeans have gone on to play professionally in France and abroad.
3. Cycling
- Very popular with strong local following.
- Tour de la Guadeloupe: A major cycling event held annually.
- Attracts riders from the Caribbean, Africa, and France.
- Produces strong amateur and semi-professional talent.
4. Track and Field (Athletics)
- Many Guadeloupean athletes excel in sprinting, long jump, and hurdles.
- Some athletes compete for France in international competitions.
- Popular at schools and during community festivals.
5. Boxing and Martial Arts
- Strong tradition in amateur boxing.
- Karate, judo, and taekwondo are widely practiced.
- Seen as a pathway for discipline and international competition.
6. Volleyball and Handball
- Played at school and club levels.
- Guadeloupe has produced players for the French national teams.
7. Water Sports
Due to its island geography, Guadeloupe offers:
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Fishing tournaments
8. Olympic Participation
- Guadeloupean athletes represent France at the Olympics.
- Notable Olympic-level athletes have Guadeloupean roots.
9. Sports Infrastructure
- Major stadiums:
- Stade René Serge Nabajoth (Les Abymes)
- Stade Municipal de Baie-Mahault
- Public gyms, basketball courts, and community fields in most towns.
