We’re all familiar with soccer and football, which are some of the most popular sports worldwide. Since the beginning of time, sports have been an integral part of human culture, keeping us alive and entertained. Yet the world of athletic competition encompasses much more than we can ever bargain for!
Get ready for some interesting oddities. We’ve compiled a list of 8 of the world’s most unusual sports that you ought to try out for yourself. They’re a fun way to explore world cultures through athleticism and will certainly make for some odd bit of trivia.
1. Yukigassen
If you’re reminiscent of the snowball fights you used to have as kids, this sport might just be for you. Originating in Japan, Yukigassen translates to “snow battle” – the Japanese have literally elevated it to the rank of a sport! It’s usually played between 2 teams of 7 players each, all wearing protective gear. If you’re hit, you’re out. Naturally, the snowballs thrown at each other are made in advance.
2. Sepak Takraw
Sometimes referred to as “kick volleyball,” Sepak Takraw is a widely practiced sport in Malaysia and Thailand and appeared in the 15th century. Opposing 2 teams of 3 players that are separated by a net on a volleyball-style court, this sport aims to keep the ball aloft and score against your opponents. You may use your feet, knees, chin, but no hands are allowed!
3. Bossaball
In a similar vein, Bossaball originated in Spain and is an acrobatic mixture of soccer, volleyball, Brazilian Capoeira, and gymnastics. Two teams play on a court consisting of two trampolines surrounded by an inflatable surface and divided by a net. While one member occupies the trampoline to attack and serve, his opponents must return the ball in less than five moves. A spectacular activity best practiced on the beach!
4. Walking Basketball
Perhaps you haven’t heard of it yet since it was only developed recently in 2013. Walking basketball is a slower-paced version of the traditional sport, usually practiced by people over 50 years old. It requires the same equipment (a basketball, and hoops) and the rules are just the same as regular basketball, except that players cannot run (obviously). If you’re looking to equip your home with a basketball hoop, the experts over at https://goalrilla.com/basketball-hoops/wall-mounted offer a variety of reliable and space-saving models for both indoors and outdoors practice. That way, you’ll be able to challenge your parents or grandparents to fun matches in the driveway!
5. Kabaddi
Kabaddi is the national sport in Bangladesh, but it’s also widely played in India, Pakistan, and other countries. It’s a blend of wrestling and capture the flag. Essentially, two teams face each other in a court delimited by a central line, and a member must cross that line to tag an opponent in order to score. The only catch is that the raider mustn’t breathe until he’s returned to his side, and must keep saying ‘kabaddi’ over and over to show he hasn’t taken a breath. Championships gather enthusiastic crowds each year.
6. Ultimate Frisbee
If you’ve always thought of Frisbee as merely a “fun” game to be played on the beach, you should know that it’s becoming an increasingly popular sport worldwide. Battling on a huge grass pitch, two teams of 7 players attempt to get a flying disc across to the end zones of the field. Ultimate Frisbee requires serious endurance and agility and will often consist of mixed teams for gender inclusion. It’s a fantastic workout, too.
7. Muggle Quidditch
Fans of the Harry Potter universe, rejoice! Developed in Vermont, Muggle Quidditch has been a reality since 2005. Each team consists of one seeker, one keeper, two beaters, and three chasers, just like in the Harry Potter fictional series. While brooms won’t allow the players to fly, they must carry the brooms between their legs throughout the game. The sport is a combination of rugby, handball, and Dodgeball. The famous golden snitch is represented by a player dressed in yellow who’s free to wander about as he pleases, even outside the field.
8. Wife Carrying
You read that right. We saved the best one for last. Wife-carrying was invented in Finland, where competitions continue to take place each year. The objective is quite straightforward: husbands carry their beloved spouses on their backs throughout an obstacle course. It’s not to be taken lightly, though, as there are many wife-carrying techniques. Growing popular in parts of the US and Australia, wife-carrying might just be the perfect entertainment activity for your next neighborhood barbecue!
The world is a place that never ceases to amaze. If you’re a fan of unconventional sports, this list might very well be your entryway into the realm of athletic quirks and wonders!
