Israeli sports

A trip to the 'boy aquarium': Discovering Israel's thriving hockey scene

I’ll admit, this was the first time I’ve ever watched a sports game of any kind in my adult life, and I could not believe how much fun it was.

|BySHIR PERETS
Jerusalem's capitals and Ashdod's Dolphins played a close game, keeping us on the edge of our seats all night.
SOUTH AFRICAN players participate in the inaugural Diski 18 program in Johannesburg.

Diski 18 brings together Israeli soccer players and South African youth

The delegation is part of the Jewish Agency’s Partnership2gether initiative and was made possible through the collaboration of community leaders and volunteers from both Israel and South Africa.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Yam Madar in Maccabi Tel Aviv uniform.

Israeli guard Yam Madar signs three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv after leaving rival Hapoel

The 25-year-old point guard (1.90m), who grew up supporting Maccabi, joins the Israeli League and State Cup champion under head coach Oded Katash.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Gymnasts compete during the Israeli Gymnastics Championships and the Maccabiah Gymnastics Championships at Pais Arena in Jerusalem, July 10, 2026.

Cuban delegation to Maccabiah Games overcomes significant hurdles to reach Israel

"If you can see people, for example, with kippah on the street, with tefillin or tallit, it’s like to be inside of the synagogue, a big synagogue. It’s amazing to be here.”

|ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

Israel shines in kickboxing at World Games with two gold medals and a silver

Thursday's podium successes followed Shaked Nisimian's gold in women’s combat sambo, Nili Block's bronze, and Yulia Sachkov, Jodah Osaid, and Polina Grossman reaching the kickboxing finals.

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ISRAELI KICKBOXER Yulia Sachkov reached the podium on Thursday at the World Game.

Remember the name: Israel U16 Men’s National Team's Omri Orland

The 15-year-old point guard has taken the Israeli youth basketball scene by storm and could very well be on track to the NBA.

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAELI POINT GUARD Omri Orland is turning heads across Europe with the Under-16 national team – and several respected scouts say he’s destined for the NBA.

Israeli 3X3 basketball team excluded from French tournament, citing ‘political conflicts’

Team Ramat Gan’s de-registration from Versailles organizers underscored the growing impact of politics on international sports and Olympic qualification

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJOANIE MARGULIES
ISRAELI 3x3 basketball team, Team Ramat Gan, gears up for international competition, determined to earn Olympic qualifying points despite obstacles.

Gold, bronze, and more to come for Israel at World Games

“Another amazing day with incredible results that once again show the outstanding athletes we have in Israel, especially in non-Olympic sports," said Arik Kaplan.

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
GOLD MEDALIST Shaked Nisimian (right) and fellow Israeli Nili Block, who took the bronze, pose together after their victories at the World Games in Chengdu, China.

Questions remain for Israel before EuroBasket

"We have to take everything in proportion, and it’s still very early in terms of preparing for the EuroBasket," said head coach Ariel Beit Halachmi.

AUGUST 12, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
WHILE ARIEL Beit Halachmi's Israel roster at the upcoming EuroBasket will feature guard Yam Madar, there are a number of other players – notably Tamir Blatt (not pictured) – who will be missing for the blue-and-white.

Nimrod Ryeder wins jiu-jitsu gold for Israel at World Games

Ryeder delivered a flawless tournament to retain the title he won at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham. A multiple-time European and world champion, Ryeder continues to dominate.

AUGUST 12, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
GOLD MEDALIST Nimrod Ryeder of Israel celebrates on the podium after winning the jiu-jitsu Men's -77kg Ne-Waza Finals at the World Games in Chengdu, China.

Blue-and-white dominates Greece in statement warm-up victory ahead of EuroBasket

The victory comes just a day after Israel blew out Cyprus by 40 points, with a strong second half.

AUGUST 11, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
THE ISRAEL National Team celebrates together on the court after a dominant 75–58 victory over Greece, marking the blue-and-white’s first win against the powerhouse in nearly three decades.

European battles to Toto Cup surprises

Azulay’s strike lifts Haifa vs Rakow • Beitar Jerusalem stumbles at Riga • Hapoel Tel Aviv into semis

AUGUST 10, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
MACCABI HAIFA’S Eitan Azulay (center) celebrates after his second-half tally gave the Greens a 1-0 win over Rakow in the first leg of their Conference League duel.

Israel Basketball Association chairman on fiscal recovery, coaching development and player policy

One of the areas that needs more attention is that of working with coaches at all levels and accompanying them in order to help them improve their skills and professionalism, explained Frishman.

AUGUST 7, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
AMOS FRISHMAN marks one year as IBA Chairman with sweeping reforms, bold plans, and a push for professionalism across the board

Following conquest of France, blue-and-white women fall to Italy

With defenses tight in the final minutes, scoring slowed. Israel couldn’t score late, and misses by Raviv and Oren left the door open Italy

AUGUST 7, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
DESPITE ANOTHER outstanding performance from Gal Raviv (left), who finished with a game-high 25 points, the Israel U20 women lost 77-69 to Italy in the quarterfinals of the EuroBasket in Portugal.