Top 7 Unusual Sports Played Around the World

Sports have always been an integral part of human culture, serving as a means of entertainment, exercise, and even cultural expression. While most people are familiar with popular sports like football, basketball, and tennis, there exists a fascinating world of lesser-known sports that are played in various corners of the globe.

From the icy landscapes of Scandinavia to the sandy deserts of the Middle East, these unusual sports offer a glimpse into the diverse interests and traditions of different communities.

Sepak Takraw is a sport native to Southeast Asia, particularly popular in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Often referred to as “kick volleyball,” Sepak Takraw combines elements of soccer and volleyball, with players using their feet, head, knees, and chest to keep a rattan ball from touching the ground on their side of the net.

The acrobatic maneuvers and lightning-fast reflexes displayed by players make Sepak Takraw a thrilling spectator sport.

#2. Wife Carrying: A Finnish Tradition with a Twist

Originating in Finland, wife carrying is a sport that involves male competitors racing while carrying a female teammate. The objective is simple: traverse a challenging obstacle course in the fastest time possible, with the added twist of carrying a partner on your back.

The origins of wife carrying are steeped in folklore, with some theories suggesting that it originated from a practice where men would steal women from neighboring villages.

#3. Chess Boxing: Where Brains Meet Brawn

Imagine a sport that combines the cerebral challenge of chess with the physical intensity of boxing. That’s precisely what chess boxing offers. Participants alternate between rounds of chess and boxing, testing both their mental agility and physical endurance.

Chess boxing matches typically consist of 11 rounds, with six rounds of chess interspersed with five rounds of boxing. It’s a sport that truly embodies the concept of “brains and brawn.”

#4. Hornussen: Switzerland’s Ancient Pastime

Hornussen is a traditional Swiss sport that dates back to the 16th century. It involves teams taking turns hitting a small puck-like object called the “hornuss” with a special paddle, aiming to launch it as far as possible into the opponent’s territory. The opposing team must then try to intercept the hornuss before it hits the ground using large wooden shields. Hornussen requires a combination of precision, timing, and teamwork, making it a beloved pastime in rural Switzerland.

#5. Kabaddi: India’s Indigenous Sport

Kabaddi is a popular sport in India with roots dating back thousands of years. It’s a high-energy game that combines elements of wrestling and tag, with two teams taking turns sending a “raider” into the opponent’s half to tag as many defenders as possible before returning to their own half.

The catch? The raider must do so without taking a breath, chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi” repeatedly to prove they haven’t inhaled. Kabaddi has evolved into a professional sport with leagues and tournaments drawing large crowds across India and beyond.

#6. Bo-Taoshi: The Japanese Pole Pulling Battle

Bo-Taoshi is a traditional Japanese sport that translates to “pole pulling.” It’s a chaotic and intense team-based game where one team defends a pole while the other team attempts to capture it by pulling it to a 30-degree angle from the vertical. With 150 players on each side, Bo-Taoshi is a spectacle of coordinated chaos, requiring strategy, strength, and coordination to emerge victorious.

 #7. Underwater Hockey: A Subaquatic Showdown

Who says hockey has to be played on ice? In underwater hockey, players don snorkels, fins, and masks as they dive into the depths of a swimming pool to maneuver a puck across the bottom and into the opposing team’s goal.

The lack of gravity and the need to hold one’s breath add an extra layer of challenge to this exhilarating underwater sport, which has gained a dedicated following in countries around the world.

Conclusion

The world of sports is as diverse as the cultures that play them, offering a rich tapestry of traditions, skills, and competitions. From the ancient games of Switzerland to the modern mashup of chess and boxing, these unusual sports showcase the boundless creativity and ingenuity of humanity.

So whether you’re a spectator looking for something new to watch or a thrill-seeker eager to try your hand at the unconventional, there’s a world of sporting adventures waiting to be explored.

FAQs : FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION 

 What is the most unusual sport in the world?

• While opinions may vary, some contenders for the title of most unusual sport include wife carrying, hornussen, and chess boxing.

How do you play kabaddi?

• Kabaddi is played between two teams, with each team taking turns sending a “raider” into the opponent’s half to tag as many defenders as possible without taking a breath.

 Is underwater hockey dangerous?

• Like any sport, underwater hockey carries some risks, but with proper training and supervision, it can be enjoyed safely by enthusiasts of all skill levels.

 Where can I watch Sepak Takraw?

• Sepak Takraw tournaments and matches are often broadcast on television in Southeast Asia, and you may also find videos of matches online.

 What are the rules of Bo-Taoshi?

• In Bo-Taoshi, one team defends a pole while the other team tries to capture it by pulling it to a 30-degree angle from the vertical. The defending team must prevent the pole from falling for a set duration to win.

How long is a chess boxing match?

• Chess boxing matches typically consist of 11 rounds, with six rounds of chess interspersed with five rounds of boxing.

 How did wife carrying originate?

• The origins of wife carrying are steeped in folklore, with theories suggesting it may have originated from a practice where men would steal women from neighboring villages as a form of courtship or as part of challenges to prove their strength and endurance.

 Verified Sources

International Sepaktakraw Federation. https://www.sepaktakraw.org/

World Chess Boxing Organisation. https://www.wcbo.org/

Kabaddi World Cup. https://www.kabaddiworldcup.com/

Swiss Hornussen Association. https://www.hornussen.ch/

Underwater Hockey Australia. https://underwaterhockeyaustralia.org.au/