5 weird sports you've never heard of

This unusual sport has existed since the 1950s when it was invented in England by Alan Blake. Later it became popular in Australia, then spreading to more than 20 countries. The Underwater Hockey World Championship is held every year since 1980.

One game consists of two halves of 10 to 20 minutes, where players are to push the puck to the opponent's goal using a stick. There are up to 10 players in each team, with 6 players in play at a time. The Underwater Hockey World Championship is held every year since 1980.

Sepak takraw originated in Southeast Asia. It's almost the same game as volleyball except players can't use hands – they can touch the ball only with their feet, head, knee, or chest. The ball is made of synthetic fibre or one woven fabric and weighs around 180 g (6 oz). Sepak takraw is now gaining worldwide popularity and is expected to be played in the 2022 Olympics. It requites high strength and endurance and is incredibly interesting to watch.

This strange combat sport dates back to the early 17th century. It also originated in England and even was described as an English martial art. During the round, two players are holding each other by the shoulders and trying to kick the opponent on the shin as many times as possible so they fall to the ground.

It's hard to imagine how a strategy board game can combine with a combat sport. The rules are simple: the players fight in alternating rounds of chess and boxing. Chess boxing is particularly popular in Germanu, UK, Russia, and India.

Kabaddi has a lot of in common with the playground game of tag. One player, called a "raider", runs into the opposing team's area and tries to tag out as many players as possible. At the same time, the defenders of the opposing team can tackle the raider to the ground.

Still sounds simple? Well, the raider is actually to hold their breath whilst they are in the opponent's half of a court. When they return to their half, they should sing “kabaddi, kabaddi” out loud to prove that they didn't inhale. The game originated in ancient India and is now popular in many countries, mostly South Asian.