Sport is not only a physical activity; it is also a powerful cultural symbol that reflects the traditions, beliefs and rituals of societies. For this reason, every community has a unique sport branch. While exploring the world, you can get to know the cultural values of countries more closely by focusing on their unique sports traditions. Let’s find out what are the national sports of the countries!
Turkey: Wrestling and Javelin
The first national sport that comes to mind when it comes to sports in Turkey is mostly oil wrestling. This branch of sport, which has a thousand-year history, has become a symbol of our culture, especially with Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling. Athletes called Pehlivan symbolise not only strength but also respect and patience. Another national sport is javelin. This game, played by Ottoman soldiers to improve their war skills on horseback, is still played today in Eastern Anatolia. Turkish archery has also attracted great interest in recent years.
Japan: Sumo
Sumo wrestling, which has a centuries-long history, is one of the national sports of Japanese culture and is important not only as a sport but also as a ritual. Details such as sprinkling salt before the matches and blessing the ring point to the religious roots of the sport. Sumo players maintain their lives with a strict diet and discipline, while the fast and impressive atmosphere of the matches makes this national sport enjoyable. In Japan, sumo is still one of the rare national sports supported by the royalty.
Mongolia: Naadam Trio – Wrestling, Archery, Horse Racing
The Naadam Festival is an annual event in Mongolia dedicated to traditional sports. The festival includes three main sports: wrestling, archery and horse racing. Mongolian wrestling is based on the principle of winning by knocking the opponent’s knee to the ground. Wrestlers need not only physical strength but also technical skills. Strategic moves must be made to defeat the opponent.
Archery is a skill that has been passed down from the past to the present. This skill, which requires natural patience and attention as well as hitting the target with the arrow, traditionally has a great importance in the culture of Mongolia and keeps the historical heritage alive.
Horse racing is the most exciting national sport of the Naadam Festival. These races are held over long distances of 25-30 kilometres and are usually attended by young athletes. The speed and endurance of the horses and the skills of the rider play a big role in these races. Horse races are an opportunity to celebrate Mongolia’s millennia-old tradition on the horse.
Scotland: Highland Games
At a sports festival in Scotland, traditional games include national sports such as throwing heavy logs and tug-of-war with bagpipes. These sports represent an enjoyable tradition where Scottish culture and muscular strength meet.
The log throwing competition called Caber Toss is one of the most interesting sports of the festival. Competitors take a huge tree stump and try to throw it at a certain angle by balancing it. This spectacle tests not only physical strength but also balance and technical skills.
Another popular Highland Games event is the tug of war, also known as Tug of War. During this game, teams try to drag the opposing team a certain distance by pulling a thick rope. Whilst this activity may seem seem seemingly simple, playing Tug of War requires team co-operation, strategy and endurance. The competitors, dressed in traditional Scottish attire, turn this competition into a show, accompanied by the applause of the audience and bagpipe melodies.
The Highland Games are not only sporting competitions but also reflect the rich culture of Scotland. The events are accompanied by local music and colourful performances with local dances and costumes. In this way, Scotland’s historical and cultural heritage is celebrated alongside sport.
India: Kabaddi
Kabaddi is the traditional sport of India. This national sport is played between two teams of seven players each. The aim of the game is to score points by touching the opposing team’s players and return to the home field. The players hold their breath and repeat ‘kabaddi kabaddi kabaddi…’. Kabaddi is a sport that requires physical strength as well as tactical intelligence and quick judgement. It is important for players to develop strategies in both offence and defence and make moves to surprise the opponent. At the same time, the players move while holding their breath, which tests their stamina and concentration.
Brazil: Capoeira
Full of verobatic movements that reflect the deep-rooted culture of Brazil, Capoeira not only develops physical abilities, but also improves agility, flexibility and endurance. This sport has an important place in the history of Brazil and is now attracting worldwide attention.
Capoeira was originally played among ‘slaves’ brought to Brazil from Africa. While these people were doing physical exercise, they were showing their skills in martial arts accompanied by music. Today, they continue to challenge their opponents with acrobatic movements accompanied by Capmik music.
One of the different aspects of this sport is the circular area called ‘roda’. Here, Capoeira masters and students come together and take turns moving to the music. This ritual is important both to showcase the technical aspects of Capoeira and to keep the cultural heritage alive.
South Korea: Taekkyeon
Taekkyeon, one of the national sports of South Korea, stands out among traditional martial arts and is known for its elegance and impressive techniques. This sport encourages physical and mental development by incorporating fast footwork, flexibility and balance.
Taekkyeon martial art has a comprehensive discipline that includes attack and defence techniques. Taekkyeon, which is part of South Korean culture, continues to be followed with interest among sports lovers.
Iran: Zurkhaneh and Kushti
Zurkhaneh and Kushti sports, which have a long history in Iranian culture, have attracted great interest among the people for centuries. Zurkhaneh is a sport that includes traditional Iranian wrestling and martial arts. This national sport is usually performed in a large hall or square accompanied by traditional music. Kushti is another name for Iranian wrestling and is popular among men. This type of wrestling, performed in traditional clothing, emphasises technical skills and physical endurance. Both sports are still alive today as part of Iran’s rich cultural heritage.
Switzerland: Schwingen and Hornussen
Schwingen, one of Switzerland’s national and interesting sports, is a type of combat similar to wrestling but with different rules. This sport, which is played in open areas covered with grass, aims to be victorious by touching the opponent’s shoulder to the ground.
Hornussen is an old team sport played in Switzerland. This sport is based on a ball hit with a large stick, which is then deflected by the opposing team. Both Schwingen and Hornussen are part of Switzerland’s rich culture and history, and are national sports that are still followed and played with great interest today.
Senegal: Laamb
Laamb is the traditional wrestling sport of Senegal. This sport is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is usually performed at events celebrated with great enthusiasm. Laaners and face their opponents. This sport has simple rules, the objective of which is to push or knock the opponent out of a certain area.