The 1959 Mediterranean Games in Beirut marked the first time the event was held in Asia, completing the trio of Mediterranean continents.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 3rd Mediterranean Games
- Duration
- 12 days (11–23 October 1959)
- Athletes
- 792 (all male)
- Participating nations
- 11
- Medal events
- 106 across 17 sports
- Overall champion
- France
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Mediterranean Games rotated among the three continents bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Having previously been held in Africa and Europe, the games required a host city in Asia. Beirut, Lebanon, was selected as the Asian host, fulfilling the geographic cycle of the competition.
The III Mediterranean Games were held in Beirut, Lebanon, from 11 to 23 October 1959. A total of 792 male athletes from 11 nations competed across 106 medal events in 17 sports. The United Arab Republic made its debut at the Games, and France won the overall medal standings.
France claimed the top position in the medal table for the third time, reinforcing its dominance in the early Mediterranean Games. The UAR's second-place finish on its debut signaled the emerging strength of Arab nations in regional multi-sport competition, while Turkey placed third overall.
Result
at Beirut, Lebanon