Many of the sports we know today have their origins in ancient history. Some began as religious rituals. Others were tests of strength or endurance. Sporting competitions encouraged men to practise archery, horsemanship, wrestling and other exercises. This helped warriors prepare themselves for battle.
Today, there are professional sports people who train hard and compete regularly with others from around the world. Many people also play sports for fun and exercise. They may join in team sports such as football and hockey, or perform as individuals in sports such as tennis and running.
The most famous sporting competition in the world is the Olympic Games which are held every four years. It is named after Olympia in Greece, where the games were first held in ancient times. They began as a way of honouring the gods and gradually became an organized competition with running, throwing, jumping, wrestling, riding and chariot-racing events.
In the modern Olympics, begun in 1896, men and women from all over the world try to win bronze, silver and gold medals in their sport. The Games are held in a different city around the world each time. A special stadium is often built for the event, such as the one in Munich, Germany, for the 1972 Olympics.
Of all the popular sports, association football (soccer) is probably the most international. National sides from all over the world compete for the World Cup every four years.
Cricket is a favourite summer game in England, South Asia, southern Africa, Australasia and the West Indies, while baseball is played mainly in North America and Japan. Pelota is a fast ball game that originated in the Basque region of Spain, and which is now popular in Latin American countries.
Some people prefer taking to the water to sail or row boats. The most daring sailors pit their wits against all conditions in round-the-world races. White-water canoeists steer their long, narrow canoes through very rough water.
Basketball was invented in the United States in 1891.The object of the game is to throw the ball into the other team’s basket, a net mounted three metres above the court. The game of netball was adapted from basketball and is quite similar.
Horses are used in some sports, including racing. They may run on a level course or one in which they have to clear obstacles.
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