The most unusual sports in the world and their history of creation and development
Sport is not only classical sports such as football, hockey or athletics. In different parts of the world there are unusual sports that surprise with their originality, cultural roots or funny approach. Many of them have become part of the local traditions, and some have gone international. Consider the most unusual sports, their history and development.
Bossaboll
Bosabol is one of the most dynamic and unusual sports. It combines elements of volleyball, football, gymnastics and acrobatics. The matches take place on an inflatable trampoline, which makes the game spectacular and exciting.
History:
The sport was created in the early 2000s by a Belgian, Philippe Eykmans. The main idea of bosabola was to combine active play with relaxing music. Aickmans was inspired by the popularity of beach volleyball and added elements of football tricks that can be performed thanks to the trampolines. The name comes from the Brazilian musical style of boss-nova, which often accompanies matches.
Development:
Bosabol has quickly gained popularity due to its visual appeal and flexibility in conducting. Tournaments are organized on the beaches of Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil and other countries. Today, the Bossball is considered not only a sports competition, but also a fun entertainment for a wide audience.
Sepaktakraw
Description:
Sepaktakraw is an Asian version of volleyball, where the players play with a woven ball using only their feet, head, shoulders or chest. Sport requires incredible dexterity, flexibility and acrobatic skills.
History:
Sepaktakraw has deep historical roots. It originated in Southeast Asia about 500 years ago. In Thailand and Malaysia, such games were popular among warriors who trained in precise movements and coordination.
Development:
In the middle of the 20th century, sepaktakaraou became a professional sport. In 1965 it entered the program of the Southeast Asia Games. Since then, its popularity has only grown and now it is one of the most famous national sports in the region.
Kabaddi
Description:
Kabaddi is an Indian contact sport that can be called a mixture of tags and wrestling. The player’s main task is to touch the opponents and return to his half of the field, not allowing himself to catch.
History:
The Babadi are believed to have appeared in India about 4,000 years ago. It was designed as a training exercise for soldiers to improve endurance, speed and tactical thinking. The game also served as a way to strengthen team spirit.
Development:
In the 1950s, kabaddi became an official sport and in 1990 it entered the Asian Games. In recent decades it has become international, and India has organized the professional league Pro Kabaddi League.
Extreme ironing
Description:
This sport is the most unusual on the list. The participants are ironing clothes in the most extreme conditions: on rocks, underwater, on roofs of buildings, on glaciers and even during parachuting.
History:
The ex-treme ironing was born in 1997 in the UK. Peel Shaw, the inspiration behind the idea, decided to combine boring work – ironing – with adventure. His first experience was on the river, but then the passion turned into a real race for exotic places.
Development:
Since then, the ectoplasm has spread around the world. Championships are held where the jury evaluates not only the quality of the glaze, but also the complexity of the conditions.

The Transfer of Wives Championships
Description:
It is a competition where men must carry their wives through a difficult obstacle course. The main rule is not to drop your spouse and come first.
History:
The origins of this unusual sport go back to the 19th century in Finland. The legend says that robbers kidnapped women from neighboring villages, carrying them through the forests. Gradually this tradition turned into a game.
Development:
In the 1990s, the competition became official and Finland organizes an annual World Cup. Today, tournaments are held in the US, the UK and even Australia.
Chess-boxing
Description:
Chess-boxing is a rare combination of chess and boxing. The matches alternate rounds of intellectual play and physical confrontation. The winner is the player who either knocks out or puts a mate to the opponent.
History:
The idea of chess boxing first appeared in 1992 thanks to the French artist Enki Bilalu. However, it was not until 2003 that the Dutchman Ype Rubing put this sport into practice.
Development:
Today chess boxing has become popular in Europe, especially in Germany, the UK and Russia. International competitions gather thousands of spectators, and the sport itself attracts both intellectuals and athletes.
Buzkashi
Description:
Buzkashi is a traditional sport of Central Asia, in which the riders fight for the goat’s carcass. Participants must deliver the carcass to a designated place, overcoming the resistance of the opponents.
History:
This sport was born several centuries ago in nomadic communities of Central Asia, such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It symbolized the strength and agility of the riders.
Development:
In the modern world, buzkashi remains a symbol of Afghan culture. The competitions are held on national holidays, and the entertainment and excitement attract tourists.
Roller derby
Description:
Roller derby is a contact sport on roller skating. Teams compete on the oval track, trying to beat rivals and score points
History:
This sport appeared in the US in the 1930s as an entertainment show. However, in the 2000s it experienced a revival and became a professional sport.
Development:
Today, roller derby is a popular sport among women. It actively promotes the idea of equality, inclusiveness and team spirit.
Water polo on a bicycle
Description:
This unusual sport is to ride a bicycle underwater. Specially weighted bicycles are used for this.
History:
Originally it was the entertainment of divers who wanted to diversify their dives. Gradually the idea became popular, and competitions began to be organized.
Development:
Now underwater races on bicycles take place in the pools and water bodies of Europe and Asia. Participants compete in speed and technique.
Pub games: throwing axes, darts and others
Description:
This includes traditional sports games, which were most often held in pubs or fairs. Examples – throwing axes, throwing tree trunks, darts.
History:
These sports originate in northern Europe, especially in Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia. Throwing a tree trunk, for example, was a training for Scottish warriors.
Development:
Now, such games are popular at festivals and international competitions. They attract attention as traditional folk amusements.
Underwater hockey
Underwater hockey is a team sport in which players try to hit the ball into the opponent’s goal while at the bottom of the pool.
History:
This sport appeared in the UK in the 1950s. It was invented by divers who wanted to stay fit outside of the season.
Development:
Underwater hockey has spread in Europe, Australia and South Africa. International championships attract divers from all over the world.
Unusual sports are a true demonstration of human creativity and inventiveness. They combine tradition, culture and modern approach to entertainment. Each of the described sports proves that physical activity can be varied, interesting and exciting. These games inspire people not only to play sports, but also to explore other cultures and traditions.
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