People passionate about different types of sports, such as extreme athletes, have found that traditional favorites just won’t do. There are also communities of people pushing the limits and trying to create new ways to entertain themselves.
As sports enthusiasts, we tend to focus on the mainstream events that we can identify with. For instance, you’ve got your football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Some other odd sports are not so popular, such as cricket and rugby. These are all listed below, and you’ll likely find them in the back of your sporting memory.
Here are some of the most unique sports around the world.
Jack Jumping
During the California Gold Rush era, the excitement of the mountains was also brought to life by various sports. One of these was Jack jumping, which started in the 1850s as a way for people to get down the mountain. It quickly became a popular sport, and it led to the development of modern competitive skiing.
A sport started in the French-Canadian logging region in Vermont has been reborn. It involves riders and skiers who race down a hill using homemade skis.
Chess Boxing
It’s the most unlikely combination of sports you’d think to try. After each round, the players alternate between playing chess and boxing. The game requires both the physical and mental strength of the participants. The first round of chess is typically four minutes long, while boxing is usually two minutes long.
It’s a simple game involving kicking your opponent down with a punch or a checkmate. It’s very popular in England and Germany and also gaining popularity in other countries. The sport is based on a graphic novel by Enki Bilal.
Gaffelhangen
In the Netherlands, a sport known as gaffelhangen is a test of endurance and strength. It involves people who hang on to a pitchfork longer than their opponent. This is said to be played in the southern part of the country, and it’s a bit odd since kids in America tend to hang from door frames or pull-up bars.
Ostrich Racing
In most parts of the world, horse racing is a common sport. However, ostrich racing in Africa is not as popular as in other countries. This sport involves people who ride a large ostrich, which can run at speeds of up to 43 mph. It’s believed that this sport started in South Africa, and it’s now being held in various parts of the country.
Underwater Hockey
Underwater hockey is similar to field hockey and ice hockey. In this version, players must push the ball into the opposing team’s goal while in apnea. It’s played in a pool, and the teams usually have six participants.