There are folks that love the classic sports — football, basketball, tennis. What if you are craving something else? Something a little…weird? Well, you’re in luck!
There are surprising sports in the world that you have never heard of. Looking at the list, some are silly, some are hardcore, but all are certainly cool to take a look at.
Including squash and other sports that would leave even the most seasoned of BetInexchange users a little lost. Here are five of the weirdest sports you need to try, if it sounds like something you want to take on as a challenge, or just a good story to tell.
1. Chess Boxing — The Ultimate Brain vs. Brawn Battle
Have you ever wanted to simultaneously test your mental game with your physical one under the same competition? And one of those things is chess boxing, which chess boxing does. Lastly, it marries the world chess championship with the pugilist’s kettlebell; there are rounds of strenuous chess followed by contact full-contact boxing.
One second you are contemplating your next move on the chess board, the other you are avoiding fists in the boxing ring. How do you win? By checkmate or knockout — or whichever comes first! For people who like strategy in their sports but also like to hit someone in the face every now and then, this is perfect.
2. Sepak Takraw — Volleyball Meets Martial Arts
It’s like volleyball, but instead you kick, knee, or head the ball over the net. Sepak Takraw is a beloved sport in Southeast Asia, and once you see it, you will understand why.
The level of athleticism is insane — flips, and bicycle kicks with precision. If you have decent hand-eye coordination and legs built like tree trunks, this could be your new favorite sport.
3. Underwater Hockey — Yes, It’s a Real Thing
Hockey is tough enough on land, but have you ever tried playing it at the bottom of a swimming pool? That’s exactly what underwater hockey (also called “Octopush”) is. Players use small sticks to push a weighted puck across the pool floor while holding their breath.
It’s fast, exhausting, and completely silent. No shouting or coaching from the sidelines — just you, your team, and the sound of water bubbles as you race toward the goal.
4. Extreme Ironing — Because Laundry Should Be Exciting
Believe it or not, extreme ironing is an actual sport! The idea? Bring an iron and an ironing board or go as far as to press your clothes. While skydiving, rock climbing and even deep-sea diving are just a few. What began as a joke turned into a real competition. Anyone looking for an adventurous-yet-surprisingly-practical sport?
5. Kabaddi — A Game of Tag, But Make It Intense
Kabaddi is essentially tag on meth. Each team sends in one player (the ‘raider’) at a time to the other side of the field and is tasked with tagging as many opposing players as possible before returning to their side — all while holding their breath.
They are out if they exhale before returning to their other side. Quick, tactical, and a balanced mix of power and stamina. Commonly played in South Asia, but it is now winning a fanbase across the globe. If you like fast, up-tempo sports, this should be on your list of things to give a shot.
Other Strange Sports Worth Mentioning
Some sports are too weird not to mention.
Here are a few more that deserve a shoutout:
- Toe Wrestling — Like arm wrestling, but with toes.
- Bossaball — Volleyball on a trampoline. Enough said.
- Shin Kicking — A British tradition where two people kick each other’s shins until one gives up.
- Wife Carrying — A race where competitors carry their partners through an obstacle course.
Some of them started as jokes but grew into serious competitions with official rules and tournaments. Whether they test strength, balance, or sheer determination, these unusual sports prove that almost anything can become a game with enough enthusiasm.
Why Try an Unusual Sport?
If you’re still not convinced, here’s why you should give one of these sports a shot:
- It’s a great conversation starter. Imagine telling people you play chess boxing or extreme ironing.
- You’ll challenge yourself in new ways. Most of these sports require unique skills you won’t develop in the gym.
- They’re just plain fun. Sport is supposed to be fun, and these certainly provide. This may be where you discover your gift.
Who knows? Or perhaps you were destined to be Sepak Takraw Champion. Why not try the unusual — push for a stretch? Either way, you have a hell of a story to tell at the very least. And who knows, maybe you will find your new obsession.
