There are 192 sports that start with the letter A. From Aberrant Axe Throwing to Australian Rules Football. Sports, as a structured form of physical activity, play a vital role in cultures worldwide, serving as a means of entertainment, competition, and community engagement. Activities can range from team sports, like soccer and basketball, to individual pursuits like athletics and swimming. The evolution of sports has been influenced by various cultural, social, and technological factors, leading to the establishment of governing bodies, international competitions like the Olympics, and extensive professional leagues. Sports contribute significantly to physical health, social bonding, and can even have a positive economic impact on communities through events and tourism.

One interesting fun fact about sports is that cricket, often regarded as a national pastime in countries like India and England, is played by more than 120 countries and has a dedicated following of over 2.5 billion fans worldwide, making it one of the most popular sports globally.

Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:

Origin Country: This column indicates the country where the sport was first developed or is considered to have originated.

Player Count: This represents the typical number of players involved in a game or match, reflecting the format of the sport—whether it is individual or team-based.

Equipment Needed: This column lists the primary gear or tools necessary to participate in the sport, which could vary widely depending on the nature of the activity.

Description: This provides a brief overview of the sport, outlining its rules, objectives, and how it is generally played or competed.

Sports That Start With A

Sports origin country player count equipment needed
Aberrant Axe Throwing United States 1-4 Axe, Throwing Targets
Aboriginal Dreamtime Soccer Australia 2+ Football
Abseiling Germany 1 Harness, Rope, Carabiners
Acro Yoga India 2 or more None
Acrobatic Gymnastics China 2-4 None
Acrobatic Rock Climbing United States 1-2 Climbing gear
Acrocamp United States 2+ Trampoline, safety harness
Acroyoga India 2+ None
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Diving Belize 2-4 Scuba Gear, Cave Diving Equipment
Adapted Sports Various Varies Varies
Adaptive Climbing United States Individual Climbing harness, Assistive devices
Adaptive Cycling Various Individual Adapted bicycles, Assistive devices
Adaptive Equestrian Various Individual Wheelchair, Assistive devices
Adaptive Skiing United States 1 Specialized Ski Equipment
Adaptive Snowboarding Various Individual Adapted snowboards, Assistive devices
Adaptive Swimming Various Individual Assistive devices
Aerial Acrobatics Russia 1 Trampoline, safety harness
Aerial Archery Japan 1-4 Bow, Arrows, Aerial Platform
Aerial Arts United States 1 Aerial silks, trapeze, lyra
Aerial Dance United States 1-2 Aerial equipment, harness
Aerial Kayaking Canada 1 Kayak, safety equipment
Aerial Obstacle Course Germany 1-4 Harness, Ropes, Obstacles
Aerial Silks Russia 1-2 Silks, Harness
Aerial Skiing Canada 1 Skis, bindings, safety gear
Aero Gravity Russia 1 Aero Gravity Suit
Aero-Skating Japan 1 Roller skates, safety gear
Aeroball France 2-4 Trampoline, Ball
Aerobic Dance United States 1-20 None
Aerobic Gymnastics Russia 1-6 Gymnastics Equipment
Aerobic Step United States 1+ Step platform
Aeroboarding Canada 1 Aeroboard, Safety Gear
Aeroboxing United States 2 Boxing gloves, punching bag
Aerobungee United States 1 Bungee Cord, Harness
Aerodragon (Drone Racing) United States 1+ Drone, remote control, goggles
Aeroduathlon United States 1 Bicycle, Running Shoes
Aeroflot Challenge Russia Individual Aerobatic aircraft
Aerofumaroles Italy Individual Parachute, Wingsuit
Aeromodelling United Kingdom 1-4 Model Aircraft, Radio Controller
Aeromodelling Gliding United Kingdom 1 Remote-controlled glider aircraft
Aeromodelling Helicopter United Kingdom 1 Remote-controlled helicopter
Aeromodelling Racing United Kingdom 1 Radio-controlled model aircraft
Aeromodelling Soaring United Kingdom 1 Remote-controlled sailplane
Aeromodelling Turbine United Kingdom 1 Turbine-powered model aircraft
Aeroplane Pulling United Kingdom 2+ teams Aeroplane
Aeropress Coffee Making United States 1 Aeropress coffee maker
Aerosmith Climbing United States 1 Climbing gear
Aerostahal Germany 1+ Parachute, harness
Aeroswing Russia Individual Harness, Ropes
Aerovolley Brazil 2-8 Volleyball, Net
Aeslin Mouse Games United States ‘Aeslin Mice’ participants None
Aesthepsi (Competitive Daydreaming) Japan 1 Imagination
Affable Antics Canada 2+ Humor, creativity
Affective Neuroscience in Sports United States 1+ None
Affligem Belgium 2-8 None
Afghan Buzkashi Afghanistan 2 teams Horse, Goat carcass
Afl Nine’s Australia 9 per team Football, Goal posts
African Bull Jumping Ethiopia 1 None
African Dance Sports Various Individual or group None
African Darts South Africa 2 Darts, board
African Elephant Polo Nepal 2 teams Polo mallet, Ball
African Stickfighting South Africa 2 Sticks
Afro-Brazilian Capoeira Brazil 2+ None
Aggressive Inline Skating United States Individual Inline skates, Protective gear
Agonistic Behavior in Sports United States 2+ None
Agrarian Games United States Individual or team Farm equipment
Ahi Tomari Japan 2 None
Aikiball Japan 2-4 Ball, practice swords
Aikido Japan 2+ None
Aikijutsu Japan 2 None
Air Guitar Finland 1 None
Air Hockey United States 2 Air hockey table
Air Polo United States 2 Inflatable ball, mallets
Air Racing United States 1 Airplane
Air Soft Japan 2+ Air soft guns, protective gear
Air Surfing United States 1 Hang glider, parachute
Airballing United States 2+ Inflatable ball
Airboat Racing United States 1+ Airboat, safety gear
Airborne Gymnastics Russia 1 Trampoline, safety equipment
Airsoft Japan 2+ Airsoft guns, protective gear
Airsports United Kingdom 1+ Varies by discipline
Aishiteru Dance Japan 1+ None
Akadema Russia 1+ Martial arts equipment
Akhara (Traditional Indian Wrestling) India 2 None
Akhara Wrestling India 2 wrestlers None
Akido Japan 2+ None
Akrennig Egypt 2+ None
Akrep Oil Wrestling Turkey 2 wrestlers None
Al Qannas Saudi Arabia 2+ Falcons, hunting equipment
Ala Moana Canoe Surfing Hawaii, USA 1-6 Outrigger canoe, safety gear
Alaia Surfing Hawaii 1 Wooden surfboard
Alaskan Dog Sledding United States 1-6 Sled, dogs, cold-weather gear
Alaskan High Kick United States 1 None
Alaskan Malamute Racing United States 1+ Sled, dogs
Alaskan Native Games United States Individual or team Varies
Alaskan Wilderness Racing United States Individual or team Varies
Alaskana United States 1+ None
Alchemical Archery United Kingdom 1+ Bow, arrows, alchemy supplies
Alcohol Archery United States Individual Bow, Arrows, Alcohol
Aldo Moro Italy 2 None
Aleksandra’s Horse Dance Russia 1 Horse, Dance Attire
Algerian Kabyle Wrestling Algeria 2 None
Algerian Polo Algeria 2 Mallet, ball
Alitaptap (Firefly Catching) Philippines 1-4 Nets, Jars
Alka Seltzer Canoe Racing United States 1-2 Canoe, Alka Seltzer tablets
Alley Ball United States 2-4 Alley ball, net
Alley Oop United States 2+ Basketball, hoop
Alligator Rodeo United States 1+ Protective gear, alligator wrangling tools
Alpenstock Switzerland Individual Alpenstock (long walking stick)
Alpine Curling Switzerland 4 Curling stones, broom
Alternate Reality Sports Tournament United States 4-8 VR Headsets, Motion Sensors
Althing Iceland Individual None
Altissimo Climbing Italy 1-2 Climbing Gear
Altitude Training United States 1+ None
Amateur Radio Direction Finding Various Individual or team Radio direction finding equipment
Ambulance Driving Competition United Kingdom 1 Ambulance vehicle
Ame-Tsuchi Japan 2 players None
American Clogging United States Individual or group None
American Cornhole United States 2-4 Cornhole boards, bags
American Croquet United States 2-4 players Mallets, Balls, Wickets
American Digger United States 1-2 Metal Detector, Shovels
American Drift Trikes United States Individual Drift trike
American Futsal United States 5 per team Futsal ball
American Handball United States 2 players Handball, Gloves
American Mah-Jongg United States 4 players Mah-Jongg set
American Ninja Warrior United States 1 Obstacle Course, Safety Gear
American Paintball League United States 2 teams Paintball marker, Protective gear
American Water Polo United States 7 per team Water polo ball, Goal posts
Amok Run Malaysia 1-4 Protective Gear, Blunt Weapons
Amputee Sports Various Individual or team Assistive devices
Amusement Park Games United States 1+ Varies by game
Anal Glide United Kingdom Individual Lube, Protective gear
Anarchistic Parkour France 1-2 None
Anchor Throwing Sweden 1-4 Anchor, Targets
Anchor Tossing Finland 1 Anchor
Ancient Greek Gymnastics Greece 1+ None
Ancient Mesoamerican Ball Games Mexico 2+ Ball, court
Andean Knot-Tying Peru 1+ None
Andorra La Vella Winter Games Andorra Individual or team Varies
Anglerfish Spotting Japan 1-2 Flashlight, Binoculars
Anglers Association of America United States Individual Fishing rod, Tackle
Angling Global 1 Fishing rod, line, hooks, bait
Animal Agility Various Individual with animal Agility equipment
Animal Sumo Japan 2 None
Ankleball Sweden 2-4 Ball, Hoop
Anthropic Relay United States 2-4 None
Anti-Gravity Cycling Russia 1 Anti-Gravity Bicycle
Antique Aeroplane Racing Global 1-2 Antique aeroplane
Antique Auto Racing United States Individual Vintage automobile
Antoball France 2-4 Ball, Goals
Anvil Shooting United States Individual Anvil, Gunpowder
Apartheid Flag Rugby South Africa 15 per team Rugby ball, Rugby field
Apnea Diving Greece 1 Diving Gear
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike United States 1 Hiking Gear
Aqua Aerobics United States 1-20 Swimming Pool
Aqua Bike Italy 1 Stationary Bike, Pool
Aqua-Fitness United States 1-20 Swimming Pool
Aquaball Russia 2-4 Ball, Pool
Aquabike Racing Italy 1-2 Aquabike, Safety Gear
Aquacade United States 1-100 Swimming Pool, Choreography
Aquajogging Germany 1-20 Flotation Belt, Pool
Aquamaze Netherlands 1-4 Pool, Obstacles
Aquathlon United Kingdom 1 Wetsuit, Goggles, Running Shoes
Arabian Horse Racing Various Individual Arabian horse
Archery Biathlon Norway 1 Bow, Arrows, Skis
Archery Disc Golf United States 1-4 Bow, Arrows, Targets
Archery Golf United States 1-4 Bow, Arrows, Targets
Archery Tag United States 2-10 Bow, Foam-Tipped Arrows, Protective Gear
Arctic Games Canada 1+ Varies by event
Arena Football United States 2 Football, indoor field
Arena Soccer United States 2 Soccer ball, indoor field
Arm Wrestling Russia 2 None
Armchair Sports Trivia United Kingdom 1-4 None
Armchair Ultra-Marathon United States 1 Comfortable Chair, Snacks
Armored Combat United States 2+ Medieval armor, weapons
Art of Living India 1+ None
Artistic Cycling Germany 1-2 Bicycle
Artistic Gymnastics Japan 1 Gymnastics equipment
Artistic Roller Skating United States 1-2 Roller Skates
Artistic Swimming Canada 1-8 Swimsuits, Swimming Pool
Ash Barrel Jumping United Kingdom 1 Ash Barrels
Ash Surfing Hawaii 1 Wooden surfboard
Asphalt Surfing United States 1 Skateboard, Safety Gear
Atchafalaya Swamp Stomp United States 1+ Hiking gear
Atelophobia Challenge Japan 1 None
Athletic Origami Japan 1 Paper, Origami Techniques
Atlanterhavsveien Bicycle Race Norway 1-100 Bicycle, Safety Gear
Atom Splitting United States 1-2 Protective Gear, Atom Smasher
Atronaut Spacewalk Russia 1-2 Spacesuit, Tether
Aulactic Motorsport United Kingdom 1 Electric Vehicle, Safety Gear
Auricular Acrobatics France 1-2 None
Aurora Borealis Tracking Finland 1-4 Cameras, Binoculars
Australian Rules Football Australia 18-36 Oval-Shaped Ball, Protective Gear

Descriptions

Aberrant Axe Throwing
A competitive sport where participants throw axes at targets, testing their accuracy and precision. Originated in the United States as a modern interpretation of traditional woodsman skills.
Aboriginal Dreamtime Soccer
A traditional Indigenous Australian sport played with a ball made from animal skin, featuring spiritual elements and emphasis on community and connection to the land.
Abseiling
A form of controlled descent down a vertical surface, often a cliff or building, using a rope and specialized equipment.
Acro Yoga
A partner yoga practice that combines elements of yoga, acrobatics, and Thai massage to create dynamic and cooperative movements.
Acrobatic Gymnastics
A gymnastic sport in which participants perform short choreographed routines on the floor, with less time spent on each element than in other forms of gymnastics.
Acrobatic Rock Climbing
A form of rock climbing that incorporates acrobatic moves and techniques, often with multiple climbers working together to ascend the rock face.
Acrocamp
A circus-inspired sport involving complex acrobatic maneuvers performed on a specialized trampoline with a safety harness.
Acroyoga
A fusion of yoga, acrobatics, and Thai massage, acroyoga involves partners supporting each other through a series of poses, balances, and flows.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Diving
An extreme caving and diving activity that involves navigating the submerged passages of the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave system in Belize.
Adapted Sports
Sports and recreational activities designed for individuals with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities, often using modified equipment or rules to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
Adaptive Climbing
A form of rock climbing that incorporates specialized equipment and techniques to enable individuals with physical disabilities to participate in the sport.
Adaptive Cycling
A variety of cycling styles and equipment designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
Adaptive Equestrian
Equestrian-based activities and therapies that utilize horses and specialized equipment to help individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities improve their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Adaptive Skiing
A form of skiing designed for individuals with physical disabilities, using modified equipment and techniques to allow them to participate in the sport.
Adaptive Snowboarding
A form of snowboarding that incorporates specialized equipment and techniques to allow individuals with physical disabilities to participate in the sport.
Adaptive Swimming
Aquatic activities and therapies designed for individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities, often utilizing specialized equipment or techniques to ensure safe and inclusive participation.
Aerial Acrobatics
A gravity-defying sport that combines gymnastics, dance, and aerial maneuvers performed on a suspended trampoline system, often incorporated into circuses and stage performances.
Aerial Archery
A unique form of archery performed on an elevated platform, challenging archers to adjust their aim and technique to hit distant targets while airborne.
Aerial Arts
A discipline that involves performing acrobatic and dance-like movements while suspended from fabric, ropes, or hoops, requiring strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Aerial Dance
A form of dance performed in the air, using suspended apparatuses such as silks, trapeze, or rope to create dynamic and gravity-defying movements.
Aerial Kayaking
A water sport where kayakers perform aerial maneuvers, somersaults, and other acrobatic stunts while in the air.
Aerial Obstacle Course
A dynamic obstacle course set high above the ground, requiring athletes to navigate a series of aerial challenges testing their agility, balance, and problem-solving skills.
Aerial Silks
An aerial performance art that involves climbing, wrapping, hanging, and performing aerial maneuvers on suspended silks, showcasing strength, flexibility, and grace.
Aerial Skiing
A freestyle skiing event where athletes perform various aerial maneuvers, such as flips and twists, off of large snow-covered hills or ramps.
Aero Gravity
A simulation of free-fall skydiving using a vertical wind tunnel, allowing participants to experience the sensation of flight without jumping from a plane.
Aero-Skating
A form of inline skating that combines elements of skateboarding, snowboarding, and freestyle skating, often performed on ramps and obstacles.
Aeroball
A high-energy team sport played on interconnected trampolines, where players aim to score goals by passing and shooting a ball through elevated hoops.
Aerobic Dance
A group fitness activity that combines cardiovascular exercise with dance moves and music, promoting overall physical and mental well-being.
Aerobic Gymnastics
A dynamic form of gymnastics that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and high-intensity aerobic exercise, showcasing athleticism, flexibility, and artistic expression.
Aerobic Step
A group fitness class that combines cardiovascular exercise with strength training, using an elevated step platform.
Aeroboarding
A thrilling extreme sport where participants use a self-propelled aerial board to perform stunts and tricks high above the ground, testing their balance, coordination, and aerial mastery.
Aeroboxing
A high-intensity workout that combines boxing techniques with aerobic exercises, improving cardiovascular fitness, agility, and coordination.
Aerobungee
A recreational activity where participants are attached to a bungee cord and propelled into the air, performing acrobatic maneuvers while suspended.
Aerodragon (Drone Racing)
A sport where pilots race custom-built drones through a course, navigating obstacles and performing aerial maneuvers.
Aeroduathlon
A multisport event that combines running and cycling, with participants alternating between the two disciplines.
Aeroflot Challenge
A competitive aerobatics event where pilots perform a series of precisely choreographed maneuvers in their aircraft, demonstrating their skill and control.
Aerofumaroles
A form of extreme sports where participants jump from high points, such as cliffs or buildings, and use specialized equipment like parachutes or wingsuits to glide through the air.
Aeromodelling
The hobby of designing, building, and flying model aircraft, ranging from small radio-controlled planes to large-scale replicas.
Aeromodelling Gliding
The design, construction, and flight of model glider aircraft, often involving competitions for distance, duration, or precision of flight.
Aeromodelling Helicopter
The design, construction, and flight of model helicopter aircraft, often involving competitions for maneuverability, speed, and aerial stunts.
Aeromodelling Racing
Competitive racing of remote-controlled model aircraft, involving high speeds, tight turns, and aerial acrobatics.
Aeromodelling Soaring
The design, construction, and flight of model glider aircraft that rely on thermal currents and wind patterns to remain airborne for extended periods.
Aeromodelling Turbine
The design, construction, and flight of model aircraft powered by miniature jet turbine engines, often involving high-speed and precision aerobatic performances.
Aeroplane Pulling
A team sport where competitors use ropes to pull a commercial airliner a set distance in the fastest time possible, testing strength and coordination.
Aeropress Coffee Making
A competitive event where participants demonstrate their skill in brewing coffee with an Aeropress coffee maker, timed for speed and taste.
Aerosmith Climbing
A form of rock climbing inspired by the music of the band Aerosmith, with climbers incorporating the band’s lyrics and song titles into their ascents.
Aerostahal
A skydiving discipline where participants perform acrobatic maneuvers while freefalling, often in groups.
Aeroswing
An aerial sport in which participants are suspended from a frame or platform and perform acrobatic maneuvers while swinging back and forth.
Aerovolley
A variation of volleyball played in the air, with participants suspended from bungee cords or harnesses to simulate the experience of flying.
Aeslin Mouse Games
A lighthearted event where participants compete in activities themed around the fictional ‘Aeslin Mice’, a group of anthropomorphic mice with their own unique culture and traditions.
Aesthepsi (Competitive Daydreaming)
A unique mental sport where participants engage in a competitive form of daydreaming, showcasing their ability to vividly imagine and describe immersive, detailed scenarios using only their minds.
Affable Antics
A competition where participants engage in lighthearted, humorous physical challenges and activities, judged on creativity and entertainment value.
Affective Neuroscience in Sports
The study of the neural mechanisms underlying emotions and their impact on athletic performance and decision-making.
Affligem
A traditional Belgian sport where players try to knock down an opponent’s pin using a wooden ball, similar to skittles or bowling.
Afghan Buzkashi
A traditional Central Asian sport in which teams of horsemen compete to drag a decapitated goat carcass across a designated goal line.
Afl Nine’s
A modified version of Australian rules football, played with nine players per team on a smaller field, designed to increase participation and accessibility.
African Bull Jumping
A traditional rite of passage ritual in which young men must run and jump over a line of bulls as a test of bravery and agility.
African Dance Sports
A range of traditional African dance forms that have been incorporated into competitive sports, often featuring elaborate costumes, rhythmic movements, and cultural expressions.
African Darts
A traditional South African dart game played with specialized darts and a unique target board.
African Elephant Polo
A variation of traditional polo played on the backs of trained Asian elephants, popular as a conservation and tourism initiative in Nepal.
African Stickfighting
A traditional martial art and combat sport from South Africa, where fighters use long, flexible sticks to engage in choreographed and free-form sparring, testing their skill, strength, and discipline.
Afro-Brazilian Capoeira
A Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music, capoeira was developed by enslaved Africans as a disguised form of combat.
Aggressive Inline Skating
A style of inline skating that emphasizes trick-based maneuvers, often performed in skate parks or urban environments with ramps, rails, and other obstacles.
Agonistic Behavior in Sports
The study of the aggressive and competitive interactions between athletes, and how they influence the dynamics and outcomes of sporting events.
Agrarian Games
A showcase of traditional farming skills and activities, such as hay bale throwing, corn husking, and log sawing, often featured at county fairs or agricultural events.
Ahi Tomari
A traditional Japanese sport where players attempt to knock a wooden peg out of the ground using a wooden mallet, similar to croquet.
Aikiball
A martial arts-inspired sport that combines elements of aikido and handball, using a ball and practice swords to engage in dynamic, non-contact gameplay.
Aikido
A Japanese martial art that focuses on using an attacker’s own force and momentum against them, often through throws, locks, and pins, rather than direct confrontation.
Aikijutsu
A Japanese martial art that emphasizes joint locks, throws, and other techniques for controlling and restraining an opponent without the use of weapons.
Air Guitar
A performance art and competitive event where participants mime playing an imaginary electric guitar, with judges evaluating their stage presence and enthusiasm.
Air Hockey
A tabletop game where players use paddles to strike a puck across a smooth, low-friction surface, trying to score goals in the opponent’s net.
Air Polo
A variant of polo played in the air, with players using specialized mallets to hit an inflatable ball while suspended on harnesses or bungee cords.
Air Racing
A motorsport in which specially modified, high-performance aircraft race against each other, often at very low altitudes and high speeds.
Air Soft
A team-based recreational activity where participants use replica firearms that fire small, plastic pellets, engaging in simulated combat scenarios.
Air Surfing
A form of aerial sports where participants use a hang glider or parachute to ‘surf’ the air currents, performing acrobatic maneuvers.
Airballing
A sport played on an inflatable obstacle course, where players attempt to knock each other off using large, inflatable ‘air balls’.
Airboat Racing
A motorsport where high-powered airboats race across water or marshland, testing the speed and maneuverability of the vessels.
Airborne Gymnastics
A competitive discipline of gymnastics performed on a trampoline, involving aerial maneuvers, twists, and flips.
Airsoft
A recreational activity where participants use replica firearms (airsoft guns) to engage in simulated military or law enforcement-style combat in indoor and outdoor environments.
Airsports
A broad category of sports and recreational activities that take place in the air, including skydiving, hang gliding, paragliding, and more.
Aishiteru Dance
A traditional Japanese dance form that emphasizes the expression of heartfelt emotions and deep personal connections through movement.
Akadema
A traditional Russian martial art that combines grappling, striking, and weapons techniques, with a focus on practical self-defense.
Akhara (Traditional Indian Wrestling)
A traditional form of wrestling originating in India, where two opponents engage in a grappling match on a circular dirt platform, showcasing their strength, technique, and strategic thinking.
Akhara Wrestling
A traditional form of Indian wrestling practiced in designated training grounds called ‘akharas,’ emphasizing physical strength, technique, and spiritual discipline.
Akido
A Japanese martial art that emphasizes the use of joint locks, throws, and techniques to redirect an opponent’s energy and momentum.
Akrennig
An ancient Egyptian sport involving the use of a sling to launch projectiles at targets, often used in military training and hunting.
Akrep Oil Wrestling
A traditional Turkish sport in which wrestlers, coated in olive oil, grapple and attempt to pin each other to the ground.
Al Qannas
A traditional Arabian sport involving the use of trained falcons to hunt small game, such as rabbits and hares.
Ala Moana Canoe Surfing
A Hawaiian water sport where teams paddle outrigger canoes and surf the waves, often in challenging ocean conditions.
Alaia Surfing
A traditional Hawaiian form of surfing that uses a short, thin, and often elaborately carved wooden surfboard, known as an ‘alaia’.
Alaskan Dog Sledding
A winter sport where teams of sled dogs pull a sled through snow-covered terrain, with the musher steering and controlling the dogs.
Alaskan High Kick
An Inuit athletic event where participants attempt to kick a suspended seal skin or fur ball as high as possible while maintaining balance on one foot.
Alaskan Malamute Racing
A winter sport where teams of Alaskan Malamute dogs pull a sled with a human driver, competing in races over snow-covered terrain.
Alaskan Native Games
A collection of traditional games and competitions practiced by Indigenous Alaskan communities, including the Inuit, Yupik, and Athabaskan, designed to maintain cultural traditions and physical abilities.
Alaskan Wilderness Racing
Endurance races held in the remote and challenging Alaskan wilderness, often involving cross-country skiing, dog sledding, or trekking through rugged terrain.
Alaskana
A collection of traditional Alaskan Native games and activities, including blanket toss, seal hunting, and various feats of strength and agility.
Alchemical Archery
A form of archery that combines the use of traditional bows and arrows with alchemical principles and the creation of specialized, magical projectiles.
Alcohol Archery
A variation of archery where participants consume alcoholic beverages while attempting to hit targets, often as a social or recreational activity.
Aldo Moro
An Italian martial art that combines elements of judo, jujitsu, and wrestling, with a focus on grappling, throws, and controlling the opponent.
Aleksandra’s Horse Dance
A unique equestrian performance art where a dancer performs a graceful, choreographed routine while in sync with the movements of a specially trained horse, blending human and animal artistry.
Algerian Kabyle Wrestling
A traditional Algerian form of wrestling that emphasizes grappling, throwing, and pinning techniques, often performed in a circular arena.
Algerian Polo
A traditional Algerian sport similar to polo, played on horseback using a wooden mallet to hit a ball through goal posts.
Alitaptap (Firefly Catching)
A traditional Filipino pastime where participants use small nets to catch and collect glowing fireflies, testing their agility, patience, and appreciation for the natural world.
Alka Seltzer Canoe Racing
A unique canoe racing event where participants must use Alka Seltzer tablets to propel their canoes across a body of water.
Alley Ball
A variant of volleyball played on a narrow alley or hallway, emphasizing agility, quick reflexes, and close-quarters ball control.
Alley Oop
A basketball move where a player throws the ball up near the hoop, and a teammate jumps up to catch and slam dunk it.
Alligator Rodeo
A dangerous spectator sport where participants attempt to capture, ride, or wrestle with wild alligators, often for entertainment or as a test of skill.
Alpenstock
A traditional Swiss sport in which participants use an alpenstock, a long wooden pole, to navigate steep and rugged alpine terrain.
Alpine Curling
A variant of curling played on snow or ice, with teams sliding heavy stones across the surface to reach a target.
Alternate Reality Sports Tournament
A cutting-edge esports competition where teams of players compete in immersive, virtual reality-powered sports simulations, pushing the boundaries of athletic performance in digital environments.
Althing
A traditional Icelandic sport where participants engage in a form of debate, discussing and resolving community issues through oratory and negotiation skills.
Altissimo Climbing
An extreme form of rock climbing that involves ascending towering, sheer cliffs using specialized equipment and techniques, challenging athletes’ physical and mental fortitude.
Altitude Training
The practice of training at high-altitude environments to improve athletic performance, taking advantage of the physiological adaptations that occur.
Amateur Radio Direction Finding
A competitive sport in which participants use specialized radio direction-finding equipment to locate hidden transmitters within a designated area, testing their technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Ambulance Driving Competition
A timed obstacle course challenge where emergency medical service personnel demonstrate their skills in maneuvering and operating an ambulance in a controlled setting.
Ame-Tsuchi
A traditional Japanese game in which players attempt to knock a small clay ball off a raised platform using their hands, feet, or other body parts.
American Clogging
A percussive dance form originating in Appalachia, characterized by intricate footwork and rhythmic patterns performed to traditional music.
American Cornhole
A lawn game where players take turns throwing fabric-covered bags filled with corn at a raised, slanted platform with a hole in the center, aiming to score points by landing the bags in the hole.
American Croquet
A variation of the traditional croquet game, played on a larger field and often incorporating additional elements like hoops or other obstacles.
American Digger
A treasure-hunting sport where participants use metal detectors to search for and unearth valuable or historically significant artifacts buried in the ground, blending outdoor exploration and archaeological discovery.
American Drift Trikes
A type of recreational vehicle that combines aspects of a bicycle, go-kart, and drift car, allowing riders to perform controlled, sideways slides and drifts on paved surfaces.
American Futsal
A variant of indoor soccer played on a smaller court with a heavier, low-bounce ball, emphasizing technical skills and rapid decision-making.
American Handball
A fast-paced court sport in which players use their hands to hit a small, hard ball against a wall, aiming to score points by forcing the opponent to miss the return.
American Mah-Jongg
A tile-based game of skill, strategy, and chance, played with a set of 144 tiles and incorporating elements of rummy, gin rummy, and chess.
American Ninja Warrior
A high-intensity obstacle course competition that tests participants’ strength, agility, and problem-solving skills as they navigate a series of challenging, stunt-like obstacles, showcasing their athletic prowess.
American Paintball League
A professional paintball league featuring high-intensity, fast-paced matches where players use compressed-air-powered markers to shoot paint-filled projectiles at opponents.
American Water Polo
A team sport played in a swimming pool, in which players attempt to score goals by throwing a ball into the opposing team’s net.
Amok Run
A traditional Malaysian combat sport where participants engage in a frenzied, ritualistic chase and exchange of blows using blunt weapons, testing their speed, reflexes, and martial arts discipline.
Amputee Sports
Sports and recreational activities specifically designed for individuals with limb amputations, often incorporating specialized equipment or rules to ensure fair and inclusive participation.
Amusement Park Games
A broad category of skill-based carnival games found in amusement parks, such as ball tosses, ring tosses, and other interactive challenges.
Anal Glide
A dangerous and unethical ‘sport’ that should not be encouraged or participated in, as it can lead to serious harm and is not a legitimate athletic activity.
Anarchistic Parkour
A freestyle movement discipline that involves navigating urban environments by fluidly transitioning between running, jumping, climbing, and other acrobatic techniques, challenging participants to overcome obstacles with creativity and spontaneity.
Anchor Throwing
A unique competitive sport where participants throw large, heavy ship anchors at targets, testing their strength, technique, and accuracy in a display of maritime-inspired athleticism.
Anchor Tossing
A traditional Finnish sport where competitors demonstrate their strength by throwing a heavy ship’s anchor as far as possible.
Ancient Greek Gymnastics
The traditional gymnastic and athletic practices of ancient Greek civilization, including events like the pankration, wrestling, and discus throw.
Ancient Mesoamerican Ball Games
A group of ancient ball games played in Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec, often with religious or symbolic significance.
Andean Knot-Tying
A traditional Andean skill-based sport that involves the intricate tying and manipulation of ropes and cords, often used in weaving and textile production.
Andorra La Vella Winter Games
A multi-sport event held in the small European country of Andorra, featuring winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, as well as cultural and artistic performances.
Anglerfish Spotting
A unique nature-based sport where participants search for and observe rare, bioluminescent deep-sea anglerfish in their natural habitat, challenging their observation skills and appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.
Anglers Association of America
A national organization that promotes and regulates competitive fishing events, including tournaments, derbies, and other angling-related activities across the United States.
Angling
The activity of using a rod, reel, line, and lure to catch fish, requiring skill, patience, and an understanding of fish behavior and habitat.
Animal Agility
A competitive sport in which handlers train and guide their pets, often dogs, through a course of obstacles, demonstrating the animal’s speed, coordination, and responsiveness to commands.
Animal Sumo
A Japanese sport where small animals, typically chickens or other fowl, are placed in a sumo ring and encouraged to push each other out of the circle.
Ankleball
A traditional Swedish sport where players use their ankles to pass and shoot a ball through an elevated hoop, testing their coordination, balance, and control of their lower body movements.
Anthropic Relay
A thought-provoking endurance sport where teams of participants take turns running or walking while engaged in deep, philosophical discussions, testing their mental stamina and ability to synthesize complex ideas.
Anti-Gravity Cycling
A futuristic extreme sport where participants ride specially designed bicycles that use electromagnetic levitation to defy gravity, performing stunts and tricks in the air while challenging the boundaries of human-powered flight.
Antique Aeroplane Racing
A niche aviation sport where pilots race historic, vintage, or replica aircraft, showcasing the engineering and flying prowess of these classic planes.
Antique Auto Racing
A form of motorsport in which participants race historic or classic automobiles, often from the early to mid-20th century, preserving automotive heritage and showcasing the unique characteristics of these vintage vehicles.
Antoball
A team sport played on a large, circular field, where players use their hands and feet to pass and shoot a ball through elevated goals, combining elements of handball, soccer, and basketball.
Anvil Shooting
A traditional Appalachian sport in which participants use gunpowder to launch a heavy metal anvil into the air, with the goal of achieving the highest or most spectacular launch.
Apartheid Flag Rugby
A controversial form of rugby union played in South Africa during the apartheid era, which has been widely condemned for its association with the oppressive political regime.
Apnea Diving
A competitive underwater sport where participants hold their breath for extended periods while performing various aquatic maneuvers, testing their lung capacity, mental focus, and physical control.
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
A grueling endurance challenge where participants attempt to hike the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, testing their physical, mental, and logistical stamina in the great outdoors.
Aqua Aerobics
A water-based fitness activity that combines aerobic exercises, resistance training, and flexibility movements performed in a swimming pool, providing a low-impact, full-body workout.
Aqua Bike
A unique aquatic exercise that involves cycling on a specially designed, submerged stationary bike in a swimming pool, providing a challenging, low-impact cardio workout.
Aqua-Fitness
A group exercise class that takes place in a swimming pool, incorporating a variety of low-impact, water-based activities to improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and flexibility.
Aquaball
A team sport played in a swimming pool, where players use their hands and feet to pass and shoot a buoyant ball through elevated goals, combining elements of water polo, basketball, and soccer.
Aquabike Racing
A high-speed water sport where participants race personal watercraft, known as aquabikes, across open bodies of water, testing their skill, speed, and responsiveness in a maritime racing environment.
Aquacade
A synchronized swimming performance that combines graceful, aquatic movements with music and visual elements, showcasing the athleticism, artistry, and teamwork of the participants.
Aquajogging
A low-impact form of exercise performed in a swimming pool, where participants jog or run in place while immersed in water, providing a challenging cardio workout with reduced stress on the joints.
Aquamaze
A water-based obstacle course challenge where participants navigate a series of submerged, floating platforms, walls, and other aquatic challenges, testing their strength, agility, and problem-solving skills.
Aquathlon
A multi-discipline endurance event that combines swimming and running, testing an athlete’s versatility and ability to transition seamlessly between the two disciplines.
Arabian Horse Racing
A form of horse racing that features the Arabian breed of horses, known for their speed, endurance, and agility, often showcased in traditional Middle Eastern cultural events.
Archery Biathlon
A winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and target archery, requiring athletes to alternate between the two disciplines, challenging their endurance, precision, and adaptability to different terrains and conditions.
Archery Disc Golf
A unique variation of traditional disc golf where players use bows and arrows to aim at elevated, suspended targets instead of throwing discs, testing their accuracy and skill with a different type of projectile.
Archery Golf
A sport that combines elements of golf and archery, where players use bows and arrows to hit targets placed at varying distances, rather than striking a ball with clubs.
Archery Tag
A high-energy, competitive team sport that uses bows and foam-tipped arrows to tag opponents, blending the strategic elements of paintball with the precision of archery.
Arctic Games
A series of traditional sporting events practiced by Indigenous communities in the Arctic regions, such as the Inuit, Sami, and Chukchi.
Arena Football
A variant of American football played on a smaller, indoor field with specialized rules and gameplay adaptations for the confined space.
Arena Soccer
A form of soccer played on a smaller, indoor field or arena, often with boards or walls surrounding the playing area.
Arm Wrestling
A one-on-one strength-based sport where two opponents lock arms and attempt to pin each other’s hand to the surface, testing their grip strength, muscle power, and technique.
Armchair Sports Trivia
A unique mental sport where participants compete to demonstrate their extensive knowledge of sports history, statistics, and trivia, testing their recall, analytical thinking, and ability to make connections between different sports and events.
Armchair Ultra-Marathon
A quirky endurance challenge where participants attempt to sit in a comfortable chair for extended periods, simulating the mental and physical fortitude required to complete an actual ultra-marathon race.
Armored Combat
A combat sport where participants wear authentic medieval-style armor and use blunted weapons to engage in full-contact fighting.
Art of Living
A holistic approach to well-being that incorporates various yogic practices, meditation techniques, and lifestyle principles to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Artistic Cycling
A performance-oriented cycling discipline that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics, showcasing the rider’s balance, coordination, and artistic expression through a choreographed routine.
Artistic Gymnastics
A discipline of gymnastics where athletes perform short routines on different apparatuses, with less time for vaulting.
Artistic Roller Skating
A performance-based skating discipline that blends technical elements, such as spins, jumps, and footwork, with artistic expression and creativity, creating a visually captivating spectacle.
Artistic Swimming
A synchronized swimming discipline that combines elements of swimming, gymnastics, and dance, where athletes perform a choreographed routine in the water, showcasing their flexibility, strength, and artistic interpretation.
Ash Barrel Jumping
A traditional rural sport where participants attempt to leap over stacks of empty ash barrels, testing their agility, coordination, and nerve in a display of folk athleticism.
Ash Surfing
A traditional Hawaiian surfing technique that involves the use of a specialized wooden surfboard made from the ash of the ‘ohi’a lehua tree.
Asphalt Surfing
A unique form of skateboarding where participants use their boards to surf” along the asphalt
Atchafalaya Swamp Stomp
An endurance event that challenges participants to navigate the rugged, wetland terrain of the Atchafalaya Swamp in Louisiana.
Atelophobia Challenge
A unique mental sport where participants engage in a meditative challenge to confront and overcome their fears of imperfection or failure, testing their self-awareness, emotional resilience, and ability to embrace uncertainty.
Athletic Origami
A competitive art form that incorporates elements of origami, the traditional Japanese paper-folding craft, with athletic movements and physical expression, showcasing the participants’ dexterity, creativity, and attention to detail.
Atlanterhavsveien Bicycle Race
A challenging endurance cycling event that takes place along the Atlanterhavsveien, a scenic, winding road considered one of the most beautiful and treacherous in the world, testing riders’ strength, skill, and ability to navigate the dramatic coastal terrain.
Atom Splitting
A highly specialized and dangerous sport where participants attempt to split the nucleus of an atom using a custom-built particle accelerator, testing their scientific knowledge, precision, and nerve in a display of nuclear physics expertise.
Atronaut Spacewalk
A simulated astronaut training exercise where participants perform a spacewalk in a specialized, weightless environment, testing their ability to maneuver and perform tasks in the unique conditions of outer space.
Aulactic Motorsport
A futuristic form of motorsport that features electric-powered vehicles equipped with specialized propulsion systems, challenging drivers to navigate complex tracks while maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
Auricular Acrobatics
A unique performance art that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and sound manipulation, where participants use their ears to create intricate, rhythmic movements and audio effects, showcasing their fine motor control and artistic expression.
Aurora Borealis Tracking
A nature-based sport where participants attempt to locate and photograph the elusive, natural light displays of the Aurora Borealis, testing their knowledge of meteorology, patience, and photographic skills in the pursuit of capturing this breathtaking celestial phenomenon.
Australian Rules Football
A fast-paced, full-contact team sport played on a large, oval-shaped field, where players use their hands and feet to move the ball downfield and score points by kicking it through elevated goal posts, showcasing their athleticism, strategy, and teamwork.

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