Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a popular team sport that originates from the Indian sub-continent. Its popularity is such that kabaddi is Bangladesh’s national game and it has also spread to Southeast Asia, Iran, and Japan. The word, “kabaddi,” comes from a Hindi expression meaning “holding of breath” which is practiced in several variations of the game. Kabaddi is enjoyed at many levels — from international tournaments down to domestic competitions, college fixtures, and social games.

 

Kabaddi’s colourful history extends all the way back to the prehistoric era. It is thought that the game was originally invented as a way for groups to fend off attacks from animals and other people. Under a few different names and with minor variations, both Buddhist and Hindu literature make mention of the game.

 

After spreading around India and the surrounding areas, kabaddi was first demonstrated to an international audience at the 1936 Olympics. It was not until 1950, however, that the All India Kabaddi Federation was formed and the first standard rules were decided upon. In 1950 and 1955, the first men’s and women’s national titles were developed, respectively, and the game gained popularity in Japan in the late 1970s. The Asian Kabaddi Championships were first contested in 1980, and kabaddi has been a fixture at the Asian Games since 1990. Several experimental rule changes have occurred over time, relating to the number of players on a team, court size, and game length. It is widely acknowledged nowadays, however, that the current rules of twelve players per side on a 10m x 12.5m court provide optimal conditions for competitive play.

 

 The game of kabaddi is very interesting to watch and fun to participate in. Played on a court approximately half the size of a basketball court, the game comprises two teams of twelve players – seven who start and five who are reserves. The game is split into halves of twenty minutes with a 5-minute break in between. After this break, the teams switch sides.

 

Taking alternating turns, teams send a player (a “raider”) to the opposite team’s end of the court. This player must wrestle members of the opposing team before returning to their own half. Whilst this is going on, the opposition team must link hands and try to stop the defender from returning to their side of the court before taking a breath, hence the origin of the game’s name.

 

There are several ways a player can get “out” in kabaddi. The simplest of these is if they are defending and get tackled by the opposition team’s raider. Additionally, if a defending player lets their team’s “chain” break, then they are out. The final way that a player can get out in kabaddi is if their body goes over a boundary line other than when they are wrestling an opposing player.

 

One point is awarded to a team each time a member of the opposing team is “out.” Two bonus points (known as a “lona”) are scored if the entire opposing team, including reserves who replace starting players as they leave the field, is declared out. At the end of 40 minutes, the team with the most points is declared the winner.

The Tough Guy

 The Tough Guy competition, held twice a year in the United Kingdom, has been coined as “the original survival ordeal” and for very good reason. Put simply, the Tough Guy competition is a cross between the most arduous cross-country race that you will ever come across and a military assault course. The sporting event is a gruelling combination of mental toughness, physical strength, stamina, fear, and anguish. As such, it traverses territory where only the bravest, gutsiest, or most foolish people would dare to tread.

 

Since the very first Tough Guy competition back in 1987, the event has continued to grow bigger and better as well as increase in popularity each year. The event has expanded to include teams as well as individuals and is now open to international competitors. Each event takes on a particular theme with the setting and challenges being planned to suit. Examples include 1998’s “Nettle Warrior” where participants had to plough through fields choked by nettles and brambles, and 2000’s “Jesus Warrior” where contestants lugged enormous wooden crosses for the last mile of the race.

 

The Tough Guy incorporates a huge variety of physical skills and challenges. As such, whilst individuals can enter the competition, participants have a better chance of winning if they are part of an evenly-balanced team. The strong running component of the competition requires contestants with strong leg strength, balance, speed, agility, and stamina. These are particularly important in challenges where contestants have to run up and down steep hills or through mud and water. Other important physical attributes of contestants include upper-body strength for lifting, core strength and stability for pushing heavy objects, and arm strength for swinging or hanging. More important than any of these, however, is an extremely high pain and exhaustion threshold. This is the one thing that separates the many entrants from the few who actually finish the race.

 

Whilst many who enter the Tough Guy competition do so for the daredevil element alone,  competitors who take the event seriously often train year-round to build their strength and stamina as well as prepare themselves physically and mentally. Training regimes may incorporate tasks, such as rolling through snow partially-naked, running up and down steep and rugged hills, carrying increasingly heavy loads as far as possible, and dragging one’s body (with the stomach touching the ground) through thick patches of nettles and brambles.

 

The risk involved in participating in the Tough Guy competition is so high that participants generally have to sign a disclaimer accepting responsibility for any kinds of risks, accidents (even fatal ones!), and injuries that may befall them. Such incidents in the past have included broken bones, severe cuts, burns, and hypothermia. In 1998, a ‘7th broken leg’ contest was even incorporated with the seventh participant to break a leg in the race receiving an all-expenses paid holiday as a prize.

 

In any case, the Tough Guy competition is truly one for only the strongest of bodies and bravest of souls. There truly are few more gruelling ways to test the limits of one’s body, mind, and spirit.

Pelota

Pelota means ball in Spanish. It is made from rubber and then covered with goatskin and nylon thread. It is a little smaller than a baseball and vivacious compared to a golf ball. It weighs 4 1/2 ounces. It can play at a speed of 185 miles an hour and it can even destroy a bulletproof glass.

 

Pelota is an ancient game and various civilisations have pelota. To build a round moving structure, different materials like rags, vegetables, latex, hides, cereals, and various threads were used. Competitions are basically individually oriented in this game. The game evolved in meadows and provided amusement and challenge to the spectators and players.

 

Pelota is a universal game since it evolved from various civilisations. It is played with a hard ball and a scoop-shaped racket. The game involves hitting the hard ball with the racket against the wall or across the net.

 

Pelota was one of the games in the summer Olympics of 1900. Since just two teams participated, a single game was played and the score of which is not known.

 

Ball-based games are played the world over due to easy accessibility and simplicity. Whilst a sport like swimming needs a pool, which is an expensive affair, a ball and wall can be found easily and does not cost anything. The game of hitting the ball to the wall or across the net has many variants. Currently, the presence of pelota can be felt in Spanish countries, such as Mexico, Argentina, and Uruguay.

 

The tradition of manufacturing pelota was passed on from generation to generation and its secret was never revealed to outsiders. The distinct feature of the ball is that it is stitched from inside so that the thread is not visible. The ball is used by professional players for just two or three matches as there is a possibility of the ball getting damaged due to strong impact.

 

Pelota, a fast ball game, is a betting sport in the Latin American countries. The game resembles squash and there are two, three, or six players generally on the walled court. Every player utilises a wickerwork basket that is strapped to their hand to fling the ball against the wall.

 

The game is called jai alai in Miami and Cuba. A national pastime in countries like Spain and France, the locals here use a bat to hit the ball to the church wall. At the pelota world championship, there were 300 contenders from eight countries. Since the simple game of pelota has many variants, there was disagreement regarding the size of the court, ball resiliency, and whether the game be played with bare hands, cestas or, racquets at the first pelota world championship. Finally, to satisfy everyone, it was decided that all of the 18 variants be played.

 

By the end, France and Spain were running level in the race for the championship title. The energy could be felt when the court got jam-packed with 3,000 enthusiastic spectators. The Spanish team emerged victorious and walked away with the title.

Shinty

Shinty is the fastest, most skilful sport that is also physically demanding. It is played outdoors on a surface that is at least 155m in length. Shinty is a game played between two teams with a leather ball and an arched stick, which is called as caman.

 

To watch the ball being hit all over the field at a speed of 100 miles an hour provides an exhilarating experience for spectators and players. Shinty, developed in the Scottish highlands in the 17th century, is now played by people of all ages all over Scotland, England, and the US. This is a testament to the growing popularity of shinty.

 

Shinty is believed to have been introduced in Scotland by Irish immigrants. It resembles hurling, an Irish game. Shinty is generally played during the winter seasons. 

 

The governing body for popularising shinty all over the world is the Camanachd Association. Shinty is among the world’s oldest games. It is similar to lacrosse and hockey as well as has links with ice hockey and golf. This fast-moving game demands a high level of physical fitness. However, unlike in lacrosse and hockey, the use of feet is allowed to halt the ball whereas hands can be used only by the goal-keeper. In this game, the ball can be carried on the caman and it can be swung over the height of the shoulder. Paramount in this game is the urge to survive and skilful eye coordination.

 

Shinty is played between teams that have 12 players on each side with each player carrying a caman. The game lasts for 90 minutes and is played in two halves with a short break after 45 minutes.  The main difference between shinty and hockey is that there is no restraint on swinging the caman in shinty. The ball can be struck from both the sides of the caman like in ice hockey. The stick can also be used to tackle and block, but the player must not use it against the opponent’s stick. This is hacking and the player could be disqualified. All the players aim to score a goal.

 

Originally, the caman was made from the hickory of a tree, which had a natural bend. Today, sticks are available that are made from wood strips that are glued together. The size of the ball is similar to that of a tennis ball. The interior of the ball is worsted and corked with leather or a similar such material.

 

In an attempt to encourage young players in the age group of 8-14 years, shinty had to be   modified and developed with simpler rules and equipment. It can now be played indoors as well as outdoors in smaller grounds and with smaller squads.

 

The ancient game of shinty was played worldwide once upon a time; today, it is play exclusively in the Scottish highlands. Related to hockey and hurling, the game, due to the efforts by the Camanachd Association, continues to flourish, thus providing good quality players from all over the world.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is done through a hole created in the ice. Fish hooks, lines, and spears are used for this activity. The angler sits inside a heated cabin or on a chair or stool on a frozen lake.

 

Ice fishing is very popular in Latvia, Russia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. In America, ice fishing is popular in Michigan, Minnesota, Alaska, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin as well as other areas that have cold long winters and lakes. In North America, ice fishing competitions are held in the Forest Lake area of Minnesota. Fish houses are hired for a day there.

 

In Finland, ice fishing is considered to be more for leisure, and fish houses are not a common in sight here. Finns normally wear an insulated and sealed suit.

 

Ice fishing requires highly specialised equipments.  First, a chisel or ice saw is needed to make a circular or rectangular hole on the frozen ice. Second, a strainer helps to clear the slush left behind after making the opening.

 

Fishing is done in three ways:

1] A light and small fishing rod with bright, colourful lures like fat heads, wax worms, and crappie minnows are used.

2] This line is known as a tip up. It is used on less-intensive fishing. This fishing line tips up when there is a strike.

3] Spear fishing involves a large spear that is attached to the fishing line and decoys are deployed whilst fishing.

 

Flashers are also gaining popularity. A flasher gives you depth information and also points out the existence of fish. Underwater cameras are used as well as they allow the user to watch the reaction of fish when presented with lures.

 

Four to five inches of ice is recommended for walking over ice. However, fishermen walk on even two and a half inches of ice. The recommended thickness of ice for cars is 7 to 12 inches and 14 to 16 inches for trucks. However, one must be cautious in areas that have swift currents as it forms thinner ice. Warm winter spells can also destroy the texture of ice and will not be able to support the weight of heavy objects. Many times, fishermen continue fishing in bad ice. They normally carry a self-rescue tool with them, which helps them to drag themselves out from the water to the ice.

 

Various fishing contests are often held and the largest fish that is caught in a specific period of time is offered a prize. In Finland, repeated scandals have marred ice fishing competitions. There have been instances of contestants smuggling fish that had been previously caught.

 

Every year, many fish houses, snowmobiles, trucks and cars fall into the ice. Carbon monoxide given off from heaters that are fixed in the fish houses can cause danger and frostbites can occur due to exposure to cold wind. These are just some of the risks associated while ice fishing. In a bid to at least partially combat the cold, keeping up one’s intake of hot fluids is important whilst ice fishing.

Conkers World Championship

The game of conkers is played during the September and October months. This game has been played for generations during autumn. It is a favourite game of children. On finding the season’s first conker, one is supposed to say, “oddly oddly conker my first conker.” This guarantees good luck and a hassle-free coming season.

 

The seed of the chestnut tree is called a conker. This hard brown-coloured nut is found amidst a prickly casing. The outer case, which is green in colour, turns brown and, when cracked open, the conker inside can be seen. Conkers fall from trees in autumn when ripening. One seed pod consists of many conkers.

 

The best conkers are firm, symmetrical and not cracked. Create a hole in the chosen conker, pass a strong string through it, and tie one end as this will prevent pull through.

 

The scenic village of Northamptonshire in Ashton is host to the conkers world championship, which is held every year in October on the second Sunday. Thousands assemble to watch the great spectacle where contemporary gladiators fight for glory armed with a 12-inch string and a nut.

 

This event, organised by Ashton’s Conker Club, first took place in 1965 and it has developed year after year since then. Teams from different countries get together for the fight. The competition takes place on eight podiums in the village, and the participants have to clear different rounds until a winner emerges. The winner is then escorted to the throne and is crowned with conkers.

 

Besides providing wholesome fun and entertainment for the family, the organizers also try to raise funds for charity and, in turn, help people who are visually impaired or blind.

 

Separate competitions are held for men, women and juniors. The members of the team who progress the furthest in the competition are conferred with a team award.

 

Whilst playing conkers, one has to follow the official championship rules:

1] A coin is tossed in the air to decide which team will strike first. 

2] The lace must be 8 inches.

3] The striker has to target the conker and the target must not be missed deliberately.

4] Laces tangled or snagged will be noted. You will be out if there are snags.

5] The striker and the opponents are each given three shots. This will continue until a conker is shattered.

6] In case the game exceeds five minutes, the truncated version is then played. The use of one’s own conkers is prohibited so as to prevent the use of baked, varnished, and pickled conkers.

 

To keep the family entertained, the organizers have made arrangements for stalls and other family-friendly amusements. Registration at the conkers world championship begins at 9 a.m. Advance registration for adults are a must. In the case of children, registration can be done on the same day. The opening ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. This is followed by a raffle draw and presentation from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The stalls close by 3 p.m., but entertainment continues all through the day.

Stone skimming

Stone skimming is known by different names. It is skimming to the British; skipping to the Americans; skiffing to the Irish; smutting to the Danish; and ricochet to the French.

Stone skimming means throwing a stone into the water in a way so that the stone bounces on the surface of the water a number of times before it sinks, leaving behind a trail or ripples.

 

It is very satisfying and, surprisingly, therapeutic to hurl a stone into water and watch as it repeatedly bounces along the top of the water. Historically, this sport is known to have been enjoyed more by males although it is equally popular with young boys and girls alike.

 

The only thing that is required for this sport is a stone, which needs to be about the size of our palm. The stone needs to be sufficiently heavy to resist turbulence and breeze but sufficiently light to toss it accurately without difficulty. The pebble must be oval in shape and not spherical or jagged and should have smooth edges. This is the exact shape that water needs to carry pebbles.

 

Water must be as still as possible. Hence, inland water is preferred over rivers, seas, and streams. There is nothing as disappointing as watching your stone not reaching the other side of the water.

 

One needs to hit the stone into the water at a flat angle. Therefore, throw the stone a little above the ankle away from the body without any vertical component. This can be best accomplished by bending over the throwing arm and allowing an unobstructed throwing motion. Giving the pebble a horizontal spin will improve the skimming effect. As you fling the stone, remember that the front side of the stone has to be a little higher than its rear.

 

The angle at which the stone hits the surface of water is what makes the stone bounce.  The stone finds lesser resistance to travel forward at an upward angle. The stone also gets deflected due to the surface pressure of the water. The attractive forces of molecules that formulate the liquid are sufficiently strong to seize the pebble momentum when applied at shallow angles.

 

Throwing the stone fast with enough spin is equally important or else it could get destabilised and will not reach the maximum bounces that one expected. So, throw the stone flat and fast and, most importantly, spin it.

 

Stone skimming is an art that requires skill; just chucking stones will not help you realise your dreams. Stone skimming championships are held under different categories: for adults, for juniors in the age group of 10-15 years of age, and for under 10 year olds. 

 

A stone skimming championship held in the Easdale Islands attracts contestants from the world over. Entry to this skimming competition is open to all. The game of skimming is strange and is filled with fun. First, there is the excitement of locating the perfect stone. It is difficult to find the perfect stone on beaches. Then comes the excitement of flinging the stone. One needs to practice hard to get the maximum skims.

The Zorb

The sorb is a completely crazy ride and an adventurous experience that is filled with enjoyment. As you go down the hill, you are protected by a huge pillow of air

 

Hop into the zorb ball that is inflated by throwing a bucket full of water. Flip, run, slide or tumble inside it. If that is not enough, then take your mate along with you inside it.

 

This sport involves rolling down the hill inside an inflated giant-sized ball. New Zealand is a pioneer of this silly sport. This unique sport, which is a Kiwi invention besides being off-the-wall, also appears to have come from an unknown planet.

 

Two Kiwis, looking for a challenging new adventure, came up with this novel invention. Zorbing was invented in 1990. It has now gained worldwide popularity and has many franchise agents in different countries. As many as 200 zorbs have moved out from the Rotorua factory, so aspiring zorbs can look forward to a bright future.

 

People of all age groups enjoy this sport. They do not mind getting strapped within a giant air-cushioned, clear plastic ball. One feels very secure in this inner capsule. The exterior of the transparent ball absorbs the violent bouncing. In the process of the ball rolling down a grassy slope, one spins around as if in space. One feels absolutely light and weightless. As one tumbles over and over again, the centrifugal force that is building up, keeps one pressed hard against the plastic wall so it is not very difficult for you to go along and enjoy the view on the outside.

 

The most recent development in this downhill roller coaster trip is liquid zorbing. Two to three containers of water are added. This keeps you unattached from the interior ball and you feel like a cannon that is tumbling uncontrollably. Another variant is hydro-zorbing, which rolls on the lake surface. Here, you are left to flap when the zorb begins to float on the water. These agitating air filled cushions provide you with fun-filled frolics.

 

Zorbing, by no means, is the most dangerous adventure sport, but certainly the organisers of this game take great pains to ensure that nothing bad happens.  There is an exhaustive program for training the staff that helps to conduct this game. No one has fallen sick whilst playing this game, but there is a fair amount of cleaning up to do after the game is over.

 

This game is not all that serious but the experience is quite different. It can best be described as “bizarre”; it can give one a lot of kicks and keep the adrenalin pumping. It is common to see people streaming out after this game smiling, laughing and, at the same, time maybe having tears of joy — quite a strange mix.

 

This game is available in about ten locations around the world. There are permanent zorb locations in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. The first site was set up at Rotorua at the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, which has a downhill course of approximately 150 meters where one can attain speeds of nearly 30kms per hour, depending on the conditions. Customers also have the option of taking part in harness or hydro zorb rides.