12 Weirdest Sports Around The World
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The world’s most popular sport today, football (soccer), originated in China in the third century B.C. But it took a millennium for football to reach Europe. In North America, Native Americans played stickball (a precursor to lacrosse). Golf was born in Scotland in the 1500s. And through the years, sports have become more formalized in everything from baseball to bobsledding.
Forget these and know about something that you don’t know. We bet you haven’t heard about them yet.
Here are 12 of the weirdest sports around the world.
1. Sepak Takraw, Malaysia
Sepak takraw is a sport that enjoys a particularly high profile in Malaysia and Thailand. The sport was first played in the 15th century and it has all but been adopted as the official sport of the monarchies of these 2 Southeast Asian countries. The name literally means “kickball,” using the Malay word for “kick” and the Thai word for “ball.” It’s less like soccer though and more like volleyball. Two teams, each composed of 3 players, square off on opposite sides of a court divided by a net and then try to keep the ball aloft. The catch? You can’t use your hands. Sepak takraw players are only allowed to hit the ball with their feet, knees, or chin.
2. Summer Redneck Games, Georgia
Some people — whether from the South, Midwest, or parts unknown — may find the term “redneck” to be offensive. Others embrace the moniker. Still, others celebrate it, to the point that they create an entire competition in its spirit.
And so, the Summer Redneck Games were born. This wild celebration of all things redneck has become a summertime staple in East Dublin, Georgia. For five bucks, fans gain entry into a competition unlike any other. Classic events include the toilet seat horseshoe toss, watermelon seed spitting, mud pit belly flop.
