Peru Sports

by Jimmy Sturo

Peru being part of the South American nations also toes the
line of its neighboring nations and supports football as a major sport.
It has made its presence felt in various World Cups and has a great fan
following.

The nation has produced soccer legends like Hugo Sotil, Cesar
Cueto, and Roberto Challe. Teofilo Cubillas is Peru's best-ever
striker, having scored ten goals in the World Cup Finals. Nolberto
Solano, Claudio Pizarro, Jose Paolo Guerrero, and Jefferson Farfán are
currently some of the famous players. Universitario de Deportes,
Alianza Lima, Sporting Cristal, and Cienciano are some of the biggest
teams in Peru.

Chess is also a popular indoor game with the people of Peru.
Julio Granda, a world giant in this sport, is a legend in this country.
Volleyball is a popular sport amongst the people of this nation.
Women's volleyball has brought several laurels to the country. In Seoul
Olympic Games in 1988, Peru procured the silver medal among several
competitors. It has also been the South American champion on 12
occasions in this sport.

The Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world is
located in this region. Several rivers, such as the Ucayali, Marañón,
and Amazon, flow through this region. These water bodies have made
water sports such as surfing and sailing quite popular.

The sport of surfing has become quite popular with the young
crowd, with Sofia Mulanovich ruling the roost in the Women's section
and being crowned the Women's World Surf Champion in 2004 and 2005.
Sailing is also another sport that is fast gaining on the popularity
front. In the Sunfish Class, Peru has won the world cup for six
consecutive years. It has been World Champion in Team-Racing for three
consecutive years, in the Optimist Class.

Shooting and tennis are the other sports having some fan
following in the Peruvian country. Luis Horna and Jaime Yzaga are two
of the famous tennis stars produced by the country.