The 19th Asian Games, set to commence in Hangzhou, China, will feature a wide array of sports, including some that are seldom seen in other major continental or global competitions. Here’s a look at some of the more unusual events scheduled for the Asian Games:
1. Kabaddi: This team sport, born in India, involves two teams of seven players each. The game’s objective is for a “raider” to enter the opponent’s half of the court, tag opponents without being tackled, and return to their side without taking a breath. The raider must continually chant “kabaddi” during the raid. India dominated this sport until 2018 when Iran claimed both men’s and women’s gold medals, ending India’s dominance.
2. Kurash: Originating in Uzbekistan, Kurash has its roots in ancient forms of wrestling across Central Asia. Wrestlers wear robes similar to those in judo, and the objective is to throw opponents off their feet. Uzbekistan dominated the sport when it was introduced at the Asian Games in 2018, winning five out of six gold medals.
3. Sepak Takraw: Often called kick volleyball, this sport is native to Southeast Asia, with Thailand as the dominant force since its introduction at the 1990 Beijing Games. Teams of three use any part of their bodies except hands and arms to send a rattan ball into the opposing court.
4. Soft Tennis: Originating in Japan, soft tennis is played with a softer rubber ball and a lighter racket compared to regular tennis. It became an official Asian Games sport in 1994 and has been predominantly won by South Korea, with 25 out of 41 gold medals.
5. Wushu: A collective term for Chinese martial arts, Wushu was introduced at the Asian Games in Beijing in 1990 and includes sanda (sparring) and taolu (routine-based) events. China has been the dominant nation in this sport, winning 10 of the 14 gold medals available in Jakarta in 2018.
6. Xiangqi: Known as Chinese chess or elephant chess, Xiangqi is a strategy board game originating in China. It is similar to chess, with the objective being to checkmate the enemy general. Unlike chess, Xiangqi is played on a nine-by-ten grid. China excelled in this event at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, winning four of the six available medals, including both men’s and women’s golds.
These unique sports contribute to the diverse and captivating lineup of events at the Asian Games, showcasing the rich sporting culture across the continent.
