Every place has its unique traditions. And join a group of Indians for gully cricket or rummy, and you will know a lot more about the land than through intellectual panel discussions. Games hold the essence of a place.
So, if you are in the mood to explore some off beaten travel experiences, here are some places you must visit to join their games. You will learn much about the land, its people and culture through some of the weirdest games played on our planet.
Toss A Shaved Tree
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In Scotland, a traditional sport called caber tossing, involves a shaved tree. contestants toss “cabers”, trees that have been felled and trimmed so that one end is slightly wider than the other. Contestants cup the smaller end in their hands, then throw the caber so that the large end hits the ground first. You can learn a lot of Sottish culture, as it is mandatory to wear kilts when playing this sport.
Kicking A Ball In Martial Style
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In Thailand, they play ball very differently from the rest of the world. Sepak Takraw’s name comes from the Malay word “sepak,” meaning “to kick,” and “takraw,” the Thai word for a woven ball. But while its name literally translates to “kickball,” players are actually allowed to use their feet, knees, chest, and head to kick a woven rattan ball over a volleyball-length net. This sport is so popular in the South East, that you might actually get to see it at the 2022 Olympics.
Following Tradition In France
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One of the most traditional sports around the world is Pelote Basque. Players in two teams stick their hands into the base of long, woven, arched baskets. They use these baskets to catch balls and to throw them, hard, against a wall. The ball may be small, and the players dressed weirdly in white pants and bright shirts, but the ball is moving so fast, that some are compelled to wear helmets.
Taking Aim At A Drum Of Gunpowder
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In Colombia, men usually throw a puck at a ring marked gunpowder drum, while relaxing over a beer. The game involves players throwing a “tejo,” or metal puck at a dark alley. The aim is to hit the board’s metal rings, known as “bocin,” some of which contain little white triangular paper packets called “mechas.” These are filled with gunpowder and explode upon impact, earning the player who threw it extra points.
Sporthoking In Germany
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This combines the skill of skateboarding and parkour with sitting down. “Hocker” is the German word for stool and sporthocking, involves using a stool to perform a variety of tricks. After many tricks around the stool, the player finally takes a breather by sitting on it.
So, pack your bags to explore some of the weirdest sports around the world.
