6 Strangest Sports Played Around The World
Sports have always been an essential part of defining the culture and traditions of different countries. People have developed several leisure activities through which a number of games have been recognized on national and international levels. But have you ever tried fighting a can of Kung Fu soup?
Here’s a list of sports from around the world that will make it difficult for you to accept they exist.
1. Wife Carrying in Finland
Wife carrying, sometimes known as wife running, or eukonkanto in Finnish, was invented in Sonkjarvi, Finland where the most famous competition, Wife Carrying World Championship is still held. Basically, the husbands participate in the obstacle course race carrying their wives on their shoulders. The female contestant is carried in many ways including; a fireman’s lift – over the shoulder, piggyback rides or Estonian style – female contender hanging upside down with legs around her husband’s shoulders.
The winners get beer equal to their wives’ weight and a cash reward that is five times that of their wives’ weight. Sounds good for an adventure with a reward at the end.
2. Zorbing from New Zealand
Originally located in Rotorua, New Zealand, Zorbing was invented in 1994 by Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers. Zorb is a giant, inflatable, human-sized ball made of air-filled plastic layered two fold. The air in between the layers helps in providing safe cushioning to the participant inside. The riders are supposed to roll the ball either on land or water. Some zorbs are harnessed to control the movement while some are left to roll and toss around freely. Pretty fun experience that should be tried at least once on your next trip to New Zealand.
3. Yukigassen in Japan
Very interesting and somewhat nostalgic for people hailing from cold regions, Yukigassen is an extreme winter sport involving a giant snowball fight. Yukigassen is a Japanese term that literally means “snow fight” originated in Hokkaido, Japan. Every year, a number of countries like Australia, Canada, and Russia along with Finland arrange World Championships attracting a huge crowd for the show. The sport is played between two teams with 7 members each wearing helmets with face shields for safety purposes. Around 90 snowballs are made in advance and the real fun actually begins when the teams hit the court. Every time a player is hit with a snowball, they are eliminated from the lap.
4. Bossaball in Spain
Played internationally, Bossaball originated in Spain and appears to be a mishmash of soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, and Brazilian capoeira. The sport is not only fun to play, but it is also exciting to watch players performing aerial acrobatics bouncing around the court. Two trampolines are placed at the opposing sides of the net surrounded by an inflated surface. A member from each of the teams takes up the position on the trampolines, one of which is an attacker and the other acts as the goalkeeper. The attacker serves the ball and the opposing team has to return the ball back over the net with up to a maximum of 5 contacts.
5. Fireball Soccer from Indonesia
Taking rules and plot from the beautiful game of traditional soccer, some Indonesians invented an intriguing sport with a twist. A coconut is left to soak in gasoline for about a week to create a unique ball that is literally set on fire. To our surprise, the teams are supposed to play barefoot and heading the ball is rare (thank goodness). The teams compete to knock the ball into opposite nets just like the original sport is played. The championship is held in Indonesia once a year to celebrate the Islamic Festival of Ramadan.
6. Underwater Hockey in England
Another winter sport, underwater hockey is played somewhat like ice hockey. The difference is that it isn’t over the surface. Scuba divers equipped with fins, snorkel masks, and swimsuit participate in the game with the pot set on the opposite ends of the pool. Underwater hockey or Octopush was invented in Portsmouth in the 1950s and it has gained international recognition with World Championships held throughout the UK, South Africa, and Australia.
From ostrich races to dance of war, people around the world have invented interesting and extraordinarily unusual games to cure their boredom. While some of them sound too out there to participate in, we think giving adventure a chance once in a lifetime can be worth your while.
More in Life Style
-
Brewing Controversy: Unraveling the Bud Light Boycott
In a world fueled by opinions, the recent Bud Light boycott has stirred quite the commotion. It’s not your typical tale...
December 7, 2023 -
How LVMH Became a $500 Billion Luxury Empire
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is a name synonymous with luxury and opulence. The brand has crafted not just products but...
December 2, 2023 -
Women Spend 20% More Per Year on Out-of-Pocket Health Costs
A recent report from Deloitte has brought to light a concerning issue in the world of healthcare – women spend a...
November 24, 2023 -
How Sound Baths Can Soothe Your Mind, Body and Soul
Have you ever been so caught up in a song that you felt the world melt away? Music, in its many...
November 18, 2023 -
What to Know Before Rebalancing Your Investment Portfolio
Managing an investment portfolio is akin to steering a ship through ever-changing waters. Periodic adjustments are necessary to ensure you stay...
November 11, 2023 -
Jeff Bezos and Fiancée Lauren Sánchez’s Extravagant $500 Million Superyacht
Get ready to set sail on a journey into the opulent world of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren...
October 31, 2023 -
How to File Your Taxes: A Comprehensive Guide
Filing your taxes can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taxes are...
October 26, 2023 -
Make Your Kids Mini Master Chefs | Here’s How
For many of us, the kitchen is the heart of our homes – a place where magic happens, one dish at...
October 19, 2023 -
Deciphering Stock Market Sell Signals
In the fast-paced world of stock trading, understanding when to sell your investments is just as crucial as knowing when to...
October 12, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login