Sports played outside of the United States are almost completely unknown. Yet they are played professionally by some and bring national pride within competitions. Bossaball and Sepak Takraw are two sports played in Belgium and Malaysia. “Bossaball is sport which is similar to volleyball, football, and gymnastics. Bossaball is played on an inflatable court with trampolines on each side of the net. This will allow the players to bounce as high as they can to spike the ball. (topendsports.com)” Bossaball is an intense version of volleyball played on a trampoline court. Teams go back and forth passing the ball through backflips and frontflips trying to score points against the other team. Players can use their forearms, hands, legs and feet to get the ball over the net.

Similar to bossaball and volleyball is sepak takraw. This sport is on a court with a net dividing the two halves. The server or tekong serves the ball across the net and the game begins. Players are allowed to move freely to return the pass without the use of hands or forearms. Methods of passing include head butts, backflip kicks, and high kicks to score against the opposite team. The effort needed to pass the ball across the court makes for an intense scene of gymnastics and volleyball as players use unique kicks and flips to cross the net.

In India, kabaddi is a famous and very competitive sport unlike any in America. The game is played on a field with two teams on either side of a dividing line. With the start of the game, the starting team sends a “raider” across the dividing line to tag opponents. The raider must hold his breath as he tries to tag opposing team members. The opposite team can tackle the raider to avoid being tagged and temporarily sent off the field. The raider is “out” if he/she inhales or returns to their home side without a tagged player. Many raiders chant kabaddi to prove they haven’t inhaled hence the name of the sport. Kabaddi players are known for their aggression, speed and powerful lung capacities.

These sports are interesting and bring excitement and intensity when you watch them play out. Branch out your interests, find new ways to enjoy sports; maybe one of these is your next hobby. Experiment, try new things; don’t be afraid to be adventurous!