The World’s Most Unusual And Obscure Sports & Games
Oh, the games people play…
There are many unusual and obscure sports and games that can be found around the world. While they may not have the same level of mainstream popularity as more well-known sports, they offer a unique and often fascinating cultural experience for those who participate in them.
Here are 10 of them:
Shin Kicking
This is a traditional English sport that involves two opponents trying to kick each other’s shins until one of them falls to the ground. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century and is still played in some parts of England.
Bossaball
This is a hybrid sport that combines elements of soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics. It is played on an inflatable court with trampolines on either side, and players use their feet, heads, and bodies to hit a ball back and forth over a net. Bossaball has gained popularity in Europe, South America, and Asia.
Quidditch
This is a sport inspired by the fictional game of the same name from the Harry Potter series. It involves players running around with broomsticks between their legs, trying to throw a ball through one of three hoops on either end of the field. Quidditch has gained a large following and is played in various countries around the world.
Gurning
This is a traditional English sport that involves making the most grotesque faces possible. It is usually done through a horse collar, or “gurning frame,” which is placed around the contestant’s head to exaggerate their facial features. The annual World Gurning Championship takes place at the Egremont Crab Fair in Cumbria, England.
Cheese Rolling
This is an annual event held in Gloucestershire, England, where a round of cheese is rolled down a hill and participants chase after it. The first person to reach the bottom of the hill and grab the cheese is declared the winner. Cheese rolling has gained notoriety for its dangerous nature, as participants have been known to suffer serious injuries while trying to catch the cheese.
Camel Racing
This is a popular sport in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. It involves camels being trained and raced by jockeys, usually young boys, on tracks or through the desert. Camel racing has come under criticism for its treatment of the animals, including the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs and the abuse of young jockeys.
Chess Boxing
As the name suggests, this is a hybrid sport that combines elements of chess and boxing. It is played in a boxing ring, with rounds of chess and boxing alternating until one player is either knocked out or checkmated. The sport was created by a Dutch artist in 2003 and has gained a small but dedicated following in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and India.
Unicycle Hockey
This is a variation of ice or roller hockey played on unicycles. Each team consists of six players, including a goaltender, who try to score goals by hitting a ball into the opposing team’s net using sticks. Unicycle hockey is played in various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Germany.
Kabaddi
This is a popular sport in South Asia, especially in India and Pakistan. It is played on a field with two teams of seven players each, with one team trying to send a raider across the opponent’s line and back without being tackled, while the other team tries to prevent this by tackling the raider. Kabaddi has gained international recognition and is played in various countries around the world.
Wife Carrying
This is a sport that originated in Finland, where it is called “Eukonkanto.” It involves men carrying their wives or female partners through an obstacle course, with the fastest team declared the winner. Wife carrying has gained popularity in other countries, including Estonia, Australia, and the United States, and even has a world championship event held annually in Finland.
So, which one are you most psyched about?
