Every day around the world, new and inventive sports are being played. While sports like football or cricket are popular worldwide, international countries play a plethora of other, much more creative sports that you may have never heard of before.
Indeed, some of the following examples are so unique and fascinating, that they may be worth travelling both far and wide to see. So, without further ado, let’s explore and rank some of the world’s most unusual sporting events, and if you like you can also visit arguably the best online sport betting site.
7. Sepak Takraw
One of the most popular sports in Southeast Asia, Sepak Takraw combines elements of volleyball, soccer, and acrobatics. The aim of the game is to keep a ball in the air without using your hands. What makes it unusual is that its players have to use other parts of the body, such as their legs, chest or head, to keep the ball up.
Players exhibit impressive aerial maneuvers, delivering powerful kicks and acrobatic strikes to keep the ball in play. Whether played recreationally or competitively, Sepak Takraw always captivates with its high-flying action and the sheer artistry of its players.
6. Greyhound Racing
Greyhound racing is a unique sport that involves the competitive racing of greyhounds, incredibly athletic dogs bred for their speed. This exhilarating tradition occurs in various countries worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland.
Thanks to betting communities, greyhound racing remains popular. As such, spectators can place bets on the outcome of the races, enhancing the competitive nature of the sport and contributing to its thrilling atmosphere.
5. Underwater Hockey
Underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, is an intriguing and lesser-known sport played globally in swimming pools and occasionally in open water environments. Originally invented by the British Navy in the 1950s, this unique sport has been adopted by over 20 countries worldwide.
The game’s objective is to maneuver a small puck across the pool floor and into the opposing team’s goal, all while holding your breath and navigating underwater. While underwater hockey requires exceptional breath control, players get snorkels, fins, and a mask to enhance their underwater mobility.
4. Bossaball
Bossaball is an innovative and dynamic sport that combines elements of volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics. Typically, people play it on a specially designed inflatable court with trampolines. The sport originated in Spain and has gained popularity in various countries worldwide, including Belgium, Brazil, and Singapore.
Bossaball is characterized by its high-energy and acrobatic nature, with players performing gravity-defying stunts and spectacular aerial maneuvers. The game involves teams trying to score points by hitting the ball over the net using any part of their body, except for the hands or arms.
3. Bog Snorkelling
First played in 1976, bog snorkelling is a peculiar and thrilling sport that takes place primarily in Wales. Participants dive into murky peat bogs, wearing snorkels and flippers, and attempt to complete the course as quickly as possible.
The sport requires swimmers to navigate through two lengths of the muddy and challenging terrain using only their snorkels to breathe and flippers to propel themselves forward.
While the sport may seem unconventional, it has gained popularity as a unique and humorous activity that celebrates the adventurous spirit and embraces the natural surroundings of Wales.
2. Camel Wrestling
Camel wrestling is a unique and culturally rich sport that takes place primarily in Turkey, particularly in regions such as Selcuk and Aydin. This traditional spectacle involves male camels competing against each other in a display of strength and dominance.
The camels engage in a wrestling-like contest by locking their necks and attempting to force their opponent to the ground. The atmosphere during camel wrestling events is vibrant and festive, attracting crowds of enthusiastic spectators.
1. Wife-Carrying
Arguably the most unusual sport in the world, wife-carrying is a quirky tradition that originated in Finland and has gained international recognition over the years. In this unique event, male competitors race while taking a female teammate, typically their wife or partner, through an obstacle course.
The objective is to complete the course as swiftly as possible, overcoming hurdles such as water obstacles, hurdles, and challenging terrains. Wife-carrying competitions are held in various countries, including Finland, Estonia, the United States, and Australia.