Though the modern version of the Olympic games began in 1896, it was not until 1912 that Arabs appeared on the international sporting scene.
Sixteen years later, Egypt won its first two gold medals, in weightlifting and wrestling, and a silver and bronze in diving at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.
The 1984 Summer Olympics (Los Angeles) marked a watershed moment for Arab athletics when Morocco's Nawal El Moutawakel became the first Arab woman to win a gold medal,[citation needed] participating in the 400m hurdles.
Fellow countryman Saïd Aouita also brought home the gold in the 5000m men's marathon.
Moroccan talent continued to emerge as Hicham El Guerrouj returned from the 2004 Athens Olympics with two gold medals in the 1500m and 5000m races.
Four African and four Asian members of the Arab League have qualified to the FIFA World Cup.