Around the world, people have turned local traditions, unusual skills, and even bizarre ideas into organized competitions. Some have championships, dedicated athletes, and surprisingly serious rules. (Countryfile)
1. Chess Boxing
In chess boxing, competitors alternate between rounds of chess and boxing.
A match can be won by checkmate, a knockout, or other standard conditions. The hybrid sport began attracting organized competition in the early 2000s and has developed an international following. (National Geographic)
2. Fierljeppen — Pole-Vaulting Across Canals
In the Netherlands, competitors use long poles to cross canals and try to land as far away as possible.
The sport developed from a practical way of crossing waterways and eventually became a competitive event with organized championships. (Countryfile)
3. Toe Wrestling
Toe wrestling sounds like a joke, but it has been organized competitively in England since the 1970s.
Two competitors lock their toes together and attempt to force the opponent’s foot down. Championships are still held, complete with rules and judging. (Countryfile)
4. Hornussen
Switzerland has a traditional sport called hornussen that combines elements of baseball and golf.
Players strike a small projectile called a “hornuss” into the air, while opponents try to stop it using large defensive paddles. The sport has deep roots in Swiss rural culture. (Internet Guide – iGuides.org)
5. Buzkashi
In Central Asia, especially Afghanistan, buzkashi is a traditional horseback competition involving teams attempting to carry a goat carcass toward a scoring area.
The sport has centuries-old roots and remains an important part of sporting culture in the region. (Internet Guide – iGuides.org)
6. Log Riding in Japan
During the Onbashira Festival in Suwa, Japan, participants ride enormous logs down a mountainside as part of a centuries-old tradition.
The event takes place only once every six years and attracts huge crowds. (atlasobscura.com)
The funny thing about these sports is that they only seem ridiculous until you realize how seriously the participants take them. Then suddenly, the rules start making perfect sense.
