Morocco’s disappointing Olympic performance raises questions about sports strategy

Historically, Morocco has performed relatively well in the Olympics with strong showings in athletics and boxing.  Since joining the games in 1960, it has won 26 medals, including a gold medal for athletics and a bronze for football that it picked up at this year’s Paris Olympics. Its tally puts it just behind Egypt among Arab nations.

Despite the two wins, Morocco’s Olympic performance has been a disappointment to many who expected more, according to Morocco World News.

Several athletes in a variety of sports including fencing, swimming and rowing faced early defeat. The country also failed to shine in sports it previously dominated like athletics and boxing.

Experts say the country focuses too much on football and hasn’t invested enough in other sports to make Moroccan athletes competitive on the world stage.

“It must be acknowledged that when you enter the Olympic Games, you join a vast field comprising around 211 countries,” sports policy specialist Moncef El Yazghi told Morocco World News.

El Yazghi criticized the lack of investment and development in sports beyond football, which has not yielded significant Olympic success. He argued that without a clear vision and adequate resources, Morocco's Olympic ambitions will continue to falter, leaving fans and athletes alike disappointed.