Sports are a big part of our culture and society. Fans rally behind their favorite teams or athletes, and have been doing so since the ancient era. Today, many of the sports we follow and love are products of a past age. Football has been around in some form since the ancient world, cricket came about in the Middle Ages, and basketball was invested in 1890.
The 21st century, however, has brought about a new era of sports. Some are hybrids of old classics, some stem from memes, and some are just ridiculous. In this article, we are going to take a look at some rather unique sports that came about in the 21st century.
1. Chess Boxing
Some may find it unbelievable that the words chess and boxing are strung together. However, the two sports have come together in this new hybrid combat sport. Chess is one of the oldest games in the world, and boxing is one of the oldest sports. Both are incredibly popular among fans and bettors.
And though chess is often associated with sports, the game is actually much closer to gambling games like poker. Nowadays, fans of poker can play all their favorite gambling games at the Novibet casino online. iGaming has made these games a lot more available and fun for new players.
So, in 2003 Berlin decided to host the first ever chess boxing competition. The way it works is simple. Two boxers play a round of blitz chess and then step into the ring. The winner is decided either by checkmate or knockout. The sport has become surprisingly popular and garnered a cult following.
It is governed by two organizations, the World Chessboxing Association and the World Chess Boxing Organisation. The sport is most popular in Russia, India, the United Kingdom and Finland.
2. Slapfighting
Delving deeper into the sports world underground, slapfighting is exactly what it sounds like. Two fighters step into a ring, and slap each other until one backs down or is KO’d. As a concept, slapfighting began on YouTube, where it still remains popular. The YouTube channel SlapFIGHT Championship organizes the events, covers fighter (or slapper) profiles, and shows matches and events.
While it may have started out as a parody of sports, slapfighting has become a legitimate sport in its own right. With over 200k subscribers, and an average of 20k-30k views per video, SlapFIGHT Championship has become an incredibly popular, yet still underground sporting event.
3. Quadball
Some may believe that they’ve never heard of quadball. But, there is a chance that you’ve certainly heard of the sport. Because it is just another word for quidditch, the magic-based sport played by Harry Potter and his friends in the hit book series published by J.K. Rowling.
The book series’ massive popularity resulted in quidditch becoming a real-life sport. Played in teams, the players run around with broomsticks between their legs, attempting to score goals. The rules are much the same as those of the fictional sport.
Players must score goals using slightly deflated volleyballs. They must also defend from opposing beaters using dodgeballs to hit players. Finally, the golden snitch is a tennis ball, held by an impartial player. If the Snitch is caught, the team automatically wins.
4. Bossaball
Bossaball is an uncommon sport that originated in Spain in 2004. It is a unique combination of volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics, played on an inflatable court with trampolines. The game is played by two teams of four to five players each, with a net dividing the court into two sides. Each team must aim to ground the ball on their opponent’s side of the court, using any part of their body except their hands.
Rules and Gameplay
Bossaball combines elements from different sports, creating a unique and exciting gameplay experience. Each team can touch the ball up to five times before it must cross the net, and the player must jump on the trampoline before touching the ball. A point is scored when the ball lands on the opponent’s side of the court, and the game continues until one team reaches a predetermined score or time limit.
Equipment Needed
The game is played on an inflatable court measuring 18m x 14m, with a central net dividing the court. The court includes two trampolines on each side, which players use to gain height and make spectacular moves. The ball used in Bossaball is larger and softer than a traditional volleyball, allowing players to use any part of their body to hit it.
Benefits of Playing Bossaball
Bossaball is a high-intensity sport that provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. The sport improves players’ agility, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance while building teamwork and communication skills. It also offers a unique cultural experience, as players can learn about the sport’s Spanish and Brazilian roots.
5. Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a contact sport that originated in ancient India and is now popular throughout South Asia, as well as in countries like Iran, Japan, and Korea. It is a team game that combines elements of wrestling, tag, and dodgeball. The game is played on a court, which is divided into two halves. Each team consists of seven players, with one player called a “raider” crossing over to the opponent’s half to score points.
Rules and Gameplay
The game starts with one team sending a raider to the opponent’s half. The raider must touch any player from the opposing team and return to their own half, without being tackled or held back. The raider must continuously chant the word “kabaddi” while holding their breath during the raid. The opposing team can tackle the raider by holding them and preventing them from returning to their own half. Points are scored when the raider successfully returns to their own half after touching an opponent. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Equipment Needed
Kabaddi is a simple sport that requires no specialized equipment. The game is played on a court measuring 13m x 10m with a center line dividing it into two halves. The players wear shorts and t-shirts, and some may also wear knee pads and elbow pads for protection.
Benefits of Playing Kabaddi
Kabaddi is an intense and physically demanding sport that offers numerous health benefits. It improves players’ strength, agility, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance. It also promotes teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. Additionally, Kabaddi offers a unique cultural experience, as players can learn about the sport’s origins and its significance in South Asian culture.