Somewhat hidden behind the famous Olympics sports (running, jumping, swimming) lie many obscure, yet still prestigious sports - here’s your guide on different events to look out for this year!
Handball, as the title suggests involves a two teams (7 players each), touching a ball, using only their hands to try and score a goal – this is not a rare occurrence, most 60 minute matches endure over 50 goals! The sport is fast paced and physically demanding; it has appeared in The Olympic Games since 1936 in Berlin and is played on the largest court of all indoor sports – in the past, Russia has proven itself an excellent competitor, it may be the country to bet money on this year. The first Handball event is broadcast on July the 28th at 9.30am.
The aquatic love child of rugby and handball - male water polo - men have been competing for the gold Olympic medal since 1900 (women have had to wait until the 2000 Olympics in Sydney). The sport is ferociously played in a 2m deep swimming pool; and due to the level of intensity, all 14 players (7 on each team) must wear swimming caps and ear protectors – this is also a great way to distinguish between players as they one-handedly aim the ball into the goal. You can get your water polo fix on the 29th of July when the first men's team go head to head: the game starts at 10am.
Like sword fighting? Fencing is the hip, modern incarnation of said medieval sword fighting. Now aside from the insanely impressive metal spikes each competitor lunge at each other with, the sport has the coolest lingo associated to it: the “piste” is the area that the players must fight on (14m long, 2m wide), “foil” “sabre” “epee” are the types of weapon/category that you can use/compete in, and the “parry” is the defensive move used to block your opponent’s blade. The sport operates in a knock out format (where speed and wit is crucial) and hits on your opponent are recorded electronically. The first fencing fight kicks off on July 28th at 10.30 with the women's individual foil!
By Sarah Beard
