Find out about the top 50+ sports starting with letter A that you never knew existed.
Sport is one of the activities that continues to revolve around us. Today, there are various types of sporting activities around the world which also vary according to geography or location.
Here is the list of sports starting with letter A you never knew existed until today
1. American Football
American Football is arguably the one the biggest of them all. It is a contact team sport played across the United States and other countries. It involves the use of an oval ball on a 100-yard field.
American Football involves two teams of 11 players each with the aim of scoring by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone which is referred to as Touch Down (TD).
American Football Popularity
American Football is arguably the most popular in the United States of America and continues to draw millions of fans yearly. The National Football League (NFL) which is the primary league draws millions of viewers weekly. Its ultimate showdown is known as The Super Bowl, one that is ranked among the most-watched events globally.
Another popular activity in American Football is "College Football" which often outnumbers the National Football League in terms of popularity, audience and fan engagements.
Famous Teams American Football teams
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most successful teams and hold a significant amount of followers. Another name is the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers.
Famous American Football Players
Some of the famous names in American football include Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Jerry Rice and Patrick Mahomes.
Brief History of American Football
American Football was established in the late 19th century from rugby and soccer (world football) Walter Camp codified rules in the 1880s. The NFL was later founded in 1920 following the merger of the American Football League and the National Football League.
2. Archery
Archery is a type of sport that involves shooting arrows at a target using a bow. It is also subdivided into field archery, bow hunting and target archery.
Popularity of Archery
Archery also holds a place at the global stage both recreationally and competitively. It is an Olympic sport and has been around since 1900.
Famous Archery Players and Teams
Players
In case you don't know, Archery has brought out some of the famous athletes worldwide including Brady Ellison (United States of America) Deepika Kumari (India), and Kim Woo-jin (South Korea).
Teams
South Korea Archery is the best and most dominant team in the sport. The country has been dominating archery in the Olympics.
Brief History of Archery
Archery came into existence originally as a hunting and warfare skill, Becoming recreational in medieval England. It became a competitive sport in the 19th century with standardized rules.
3. Aikido
Aikido is not your household name in the world of sport. But a Japanese martial art where a player uses an opponent’s energy against them. It involves throws, joint locks, and defensive techniques.
Popularity Aikido
Aikido is popular and practiced mainly in Japan. But has increasingly gained popularity in other regions of the world including Europe, and the United States. One of the purposes of the sport is for self-defense and personal development.
Famous Aikido Players
Morihei Ueshiba with the nickname “O-Sensei” is often regarded as the founder. Some famous practitioners include Steven Seagal whose popularity came through aikido films.
Brief History of Aikido
Aikido is a sport that was developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. The sport emphasizes harmony and non-violence.
4. Australian Rules Football (Aussie Rules)
Aussie Rules is arguably one of the biggest sports in Australia today with an ever growing fan base. It is a fast-paced contact sport. Interestingly, it is played in a large oval shaped field with an oval ball.
Aussie Rules involves teams of 18 players aiming to score by kicking the ball between goal posts.
Popularity of Aussie Rules
Aussie Rules stand out as one of the most popular sports in Australia alongside Rugby, basketball, football (soccer) and netball. Some major regions where the sport is heavily played include Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Famous Teams and Players in Aussie Rules
Teams
Today, the biggest Aussie Rules teams are Collingwood Magpies, Carlton Blues, and Richmond Tigers.
Players
Gary Ablett Jr. and Dustin Martin hold an impressive record in the history of the sport from winning titles to accommodating individual awards.
Brief History of Aussie Rules
Aussie Rules Football was originally from Melbourne in 1859 in an attempt to keep cricketers fit during winter. Today, it has grown in popularity and has overtaken various sports to become one of the leading destinations in Australia.
The AFL (Australian Football League) is currently the premier competition in Australia.
5. Athletics (Track & Field)
Athletics is a type of sport that involves running, jumping, and throwing events. It is often an Olympic sport but has grown from that to be a year-long event from monthly championships to leagues like the IAAF Diamond League.
Popularity of Athletics
Athletics is a global sport especially during the Summer Olympics. Today, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) organizes the Diamond League which is an annual series of elite track and field athletic competitions.
Famous Teams and Players teams in Athletics
Athletes
Usain Bolt made history especially in the 100m and 200m races. Other players are Carl Lewis, and Florence Griffith-Joyner.
National teams
Jamaica, the United States, and Kenya have continued to dominate the world of athletics.
Brief History of Athletics
Athletics can be traced back to ancient Greece with the Olympic Games. The modern version of the sport began in the 19th century.
6. Alpine Skiing
Alpine Skiing is a downhill skiing sport. It includes slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and downhill races.
Popularity Alpine Skiing
Alpine Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports especially in Europe and North America.
Famous Players in Alpine Skiing
Athletes: Lindsey Vonn, Marcel Hirscher, Mikaela Shiffrin
Brief History of Alpine Skiing
Alpine Skiing began in the Alps region in the 19th century. It became an Olympic sport in 1936.
7. Auto Racing
Auto Racing popularly known as Motor sport is arguably one of the biggest in the sports industry. It involves cars that compete against each other on race on tracks or roads. Today, some of the biggest organizations or bodies are Formula 1, NASCAR, rally, MotoGP, Formula E and endurance racing.
Popularity Auto Racing
Auto Racing is a global sport with millions of fans. Formula 1 and NASCAR are the two biggest and most-watched around the world especially in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Famous Teams and Players in Auto Racing
Teams
Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, and Red Bull Racing have continued to dominate the industry with state of the art and modern technology from engines to design.
Drivers
Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Dale Earnhardt top the list of famous names in Auto Racing.
Brief History of Auto Racing
Auto Racing was initially organized in the late 19th century. The Formula 1 began operating in 1950 while NASCAR was founded in 1948.
8. Arnis (Eskrima/Kali)
Arnis, also known as Eskrima/Kali is not your usual sport, but a type of sport that originates from the Philippines. It is a martial art focusing on bladed weapons, stick fighting, and empty-hand techniques.
Popularity Arnis (Eskrima/Kali)
Arnis (Eskrima/Kali) is one of the national sport of the Philippines. However, it is also practiced globally in martial arts communities.
Famous Teams and Players
Top practitioners of Arnis (Eskrima/Kali) includes Remy Presas, and Dan Inosanto.
Brief History Arnis (Eskrima/Kali)
It was developed in the Philippines, influenced by Spanish fencing during colonization. The sport was officially recognized in 2009 as a martial art.
9. Arm Wrestling
Arm Wrestling involves one's strength where two competitors of players grip hands and attempt to pin the other’s arm.
Popularity Arm Wrestling
Arm Wrestling is more like a traditional sport and is organized in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Famous Players
John Brzenk (United States of America), Devon Larratt (Canada)
Brief History of Arm Wrestling
It is a traditional sport which began in the mid-20th century. The World Armwrestling Federation was founded in 1977 as a body that regulates and oversees the sport.
10. Abseiling
Abseiling is a type of sport that involves descending a vertical surface using ropes and harnesses.
Popularity of Abseiling
It is an adventure tourism and mountaineering type of sport that is most often organised and hosted in high mountain regions of the world.
Famous Teams or Players
Abseiling can be played by any body is not necessarily by a professional athlete. However, only experienced players are often practicing organised competitions.
Brief History of Abseiling
It was developed by climbers in the 19th century and is now a recreational activity.
11. Arena Football
Arena Football is an indoor version of the American Football sport that is played on a smaller field compared to the NFL and college football.
Popularity of Arena Football
Arena Football is popular in the United States. The Arena Football League (AFL) is the premier competition for the sport.
Famous Teams
Orlando Predators and Arizona Rattlers are some of the biggest teams.
Brief History of Arena Football
Arena Football was invented in 1987 by Jim Foster. The AFL ran until 2019.
12. Aquathlon
Aquathlon is a multi-sport race which combines swimming and running.
Popularity of Aquathlon
It is a type of sport that is played by triathletes as a training and competitive discipline.
Famous Players
Richard Varga is a Slovakia athlete who tops the list as one of the top aquathlon competitors.
Brief History of Aquathlon
The sport originated in the 20th century and was recognized by World Triathlon Federation in 1998.
13. Artistic Swimming (Synchronized Swimming)
Artistic Swimming is a type of unique water sport that combines swimming, dance, and gymnastics. It is often performed in teams.
Popularity of Artistic Swimming
It is often played by female athletes.
Famous Teams and Players
Teams
Russia, China, and Spain
Players
Natalia Ishchenko (Russia), Gemma Mengual (Spain)
Brief History of Artistic Swimming
Artistic Swimming was originally developed in Canada and the United States in the early 20th century. It became an Olympic sport in 1984.
14. Acroski (Ski Ballet)
Acroski often referred to as sSki Ballet is a freestyle skiing activity that involves choreographed routines on skis.
Popularity of Acroski (Ski Ballet)
It became a household sporting activity in the 1980s–1990s.
Famous Players
Jan Bucher (United States of America), Christine Rossi (France)
Brief History of Acroski (Ski Ballet)
The sport was first introduced as a demonstration sport in the Winter Olympics in 1988 and 1992.
15. Aerobatics
Aerobatics or aerobatic display is a competition that involves flying aircraft with the Ian of precision maneuvers. It is often done by the military
Popularity of Aerobatics
It is a popular sport in the aviation and air shows communities worldwide.
Famous Teams and Players
Teams
The Red Bull Air Race pilots are ranked as one of the most experimental in the industry. Hungarian pilot Péter Besenyei is one of the top names when it comes to airshow competitions.
Brief History of Aerobatics
Aerobatics was founded in the early 20th century as stunt flying. It has since become a competitive sport and is currently under the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
16. Acrobatic Gymnastics
Acrobatic Gymnastics is a type of discipline in Gymnastics where athletes or partners lift, balance, and tumble.
Popularity of Acrobatic Gymnastics
Is it a popular sport that is often played indoors especially in Europe and Asia and is governed by FIG (International Gymnastics Federation).
Famous Players
Marina Chernova and Revaz Gurgenidze (Russia)
Brief History of Acrobatic Gymnastics
Acrobatic Gymnastics began in the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century and later became an international sport in the 1970s.
17. Airboarding
Airboarding is a type of winter sport that involves the use of inflatable sleds to slide down snowy slopes.
Popularity of Airboarding
It is an adventure tourism mostly played and organised in Europe and North America.
Famous Teams or Players
It is a sport that can be played by an individual with the knowledge of the sport or experienced while playing and practicing.
Brief History of Airboarding
Airboarding began in Switzerland in the 2000s as a recreational winter sport.
18. Autocross
Autocross is a type of Motorsport where drivers navigate through courses or tracks that are marked by cones within a given time.
Popularity of Autocross
Autocros is a popular sport in the United States and Europe.
Famous Players
It often involves amateur drivers and not necessarily meant for famous drivers.
Brief History of Autocross
Autocross began in the mid-20th century as an alternative Motorsport event especially for amateur drivers.
19. Autograss Racing
Autograss Racing is a type of motor sport organized on grass-track with cars that are modified for the purpose.
Popularity of Autograss Racing
Autograss Racing is a popular sport in the UK.
Famous Teams
Motorsport clubs across England and Wales host events.
Brief History of Autograss Racing
The sport was founded in the United Kingdom in the 1960s as a low-cost motorsport.
20. ATV Racing
ATV Racing is another household sporting activity that involves the use of all-terrain vehicles or quad bikes.
Popularity of ATV Racing
It is a popular sport in North America.
Famous Players
Chris Borich from the United States currently holds the title as a multiple-time ATV champion.
Brief History of ATV Racing
ATV Racing was established in the 1970s–1980s following the rise of ATVs.
21. Angling (Competitive Fishing)
Angling is a sport that involves catching fish with a rod, line, and bait. The winner is often calculated based on the size or quantity of the catch.
Popularity of Angling
Angling has become a popular sport worldwide, especially in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Famous Teams and Players
Athletes
Kevin VanDam (United States), Alan Scotthorne (United Kingdom)
Teams
National angling squads in the UK and Italy
Brief History of Angling
Angling is all about fishing which dates back to ancient times. It became a competitive sport in the 20th century with organization of fishing international championships.
22. Axe Throwing
Axe Throwing us a type of precision based sport where the competitors throw axes at a wooden targets.
Popularity of Axe Throwing
It is known in regions like North America and Europe where there already established leagues and bars dedicated to the sport.
Famous Teams
World Axe Throwing League (WATL) usually hosts global competitions.
Brief History of Axe Throwing
Axe Throwing became a sport through lumberjack traditions. It was adopted to be a sport in the 2010s with sets of rules.
23. Air Hockey
Air Hockey is a type of sport that is played on a table that consists of a frictionless surface where players use paddles to hit a puck into the opponent’s goal.
Popularity of Air Hockey
It is a recreational that is often played globally most especially in the United States and Europe.
Famous Players
Danny Hynes (United States), Tim Weissman (United States)
Brief History of Air Hockey
Air Hockey began in the 1970s by engineers at Brunswick Billiards.
24. Aqua Jogging
Aqua Jogging is a type of fitness sport that involves running in water using flotation belts.
Popularity of Aqua Jogging
It usually for rehabilitation and training among athletes.
Famous Teams or Players
It is a general sport that can be played by anybody.
Brief History of Aqua Jogging
Aqua Jogging came into existence in the late 20th century as a low-impact exercise mode.
25. Aqua Cycling
Aqua Cycling is an exercise sport that is performed on stationary bikes submerged in water.
Popularity of Aqua Cycling
Aqua Cycling is popular in Europe, especially France and Italy with the primary purpose of fitness.
Famous Players
It is not necessarily for famous athletes and can be played or performed by anybody.
Brief History of Aqua Cycling
Aqua Cycling became known in the 2000s as a form of rehabilitation and fitness activity.
26. Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning is a type of water sport where participants or players ride on a board towed behind a boat.
Popularity of Aquaplaning
Its popularity was in the mid-20th century.
Famous Teams or Players
It is a sport that can be played by anybody.
Brief History of Aquaplaning
The sport was established in the 1920s -9730s.
27. Aquabike Racing
Aquabike Racing is a type of Motorsport performed on water using jet skis.
Popularity of Aquabike Racing
Aquabike Racing is a popular sport in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
Famous Players
Some of the famous names in the sport include Yousef Al Abdulrazzaq (Kuwait), and Jeremy Poret (France).
Brief History of Aquabike Racing
Aquabike Racing was established in the late 20th century.
28. Arena Polo
Arena Polo is the indoor version of polo sport that is often played in smaller arenas.
Popularity of Arena Polo
It is a popular sport in the United Kingdom and United States often as a winter alternative to outdoor polo.
Famous Teams
Guards Polo Club (United Kingdom), and US Polo Association teams
Brief History of Arena Polo
Arena Polo came into existence in the 20th century.
29. Arena Lacrosse
Arena Lacrosse is an indoor version of lacrosse played on smaller fields.
Popularity of Arena Lacrosse
The sport is popular in Canada.
Famous Teams
Oshawa Outlaws and Peterborough Timbermen
Brief History of Arena Lacrosse
Arena Lacrosse began in the 2010s and currently operates as a professional indoor lacrosse league in Canada.
30. Arena Rugby
Arena Rugby is a modified version of rugby.
Popularity of Arena Rugby
Arena Rugby is not widely played.
Famous Teams
It is not a widely played sport.
Brief History of Arena Rugby
Arena Rugby began in the late 20th century.
31. Arena Volleyball
Arena Volleyball is the indoor version of volleyball. It is played in smaller arenas with a set of different rules for the sport unlike the original beach volleyball.
Popularity of Arena Volleyball
It is not widely played and is often used for entertainment.
Famous Teams or Players
It is not a widely played sport.
Brief History of Arena Volleyball
Arena Volleyball came into existence as a variation of volleyball in the late 20th century.
32. Arena Basketball
Arena Basketball is a modified version of basketball.
Popularity
Arena Basketball is more of an exhibition event mostly played by minor leagues.
Famous Teams
It is not widely known or played.
Brief History of Arena Basketball
Arena Basketball was established as a spin-off baseball game with the aim of achieving a fast-paced and entertainment-driven sport.
33. Artistic Roller Skating
Artistic roller skating is a type of sport that combines dance, spins, and jumps.
Popularity of Artistic Roller Skating
Artistic roller skating is popular in Europe, South America, and Asia.
Famous Players
Tanja Romano (Italy) and Marina Wester (Germany)
Brief History of Artistic Roller Skating
Artistic roller skating was established in the 20th century.
34. Aerobic Gymnastics
Aerobic gymnastics is a type of discipline in gymnastics with a core focus on high-intensity aerobic routines with strength and flexibility.
Popularity of Aerobic Gymnastics
It is popular in Europe and Asia.
Famous Players
Marcela Lopez (Brazil), Mizuki Saito (Japan)
Brief History of Aerobic Gymnastics
Aerobic gymnastics was established in the 1980s and became a competitive discipline in the 1990s.
35. All-Terrain Boarding
All-terrain boarding is an extreme sport performed using mountain boards to ride off-road terrain.
Popularity of All-Terrain Boarding
It is adventure sports that are popular among enthusiasts in the United States and Europe.
Famous Players
Dave Leatherman (United States)
Brief History of All-Terrain Boarding
All-Terrain Boarding was founded in the 1990s.
36. Arena Combat (Martial Arts)
It is a martial art staged in arenas.
Popularity of Arena Combat (Martial Arts)
It is popular among mixed martial arts promotions.
Famous Players
Conor McGregor and Anderson Silva (MMA stars)
Brief History
It was established in the late 20th century.
37. Arctic Sports
Arctic Sports is a traditional indigenous sport that is mainly from Arctic regions, which includes high kick, knuckle hop, and seal hop.
Popularity of Arctic Sports
It is popular among Inuit and Native communities in Alaska and Canada.
Famous Teams
Competitors in the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
Brief History of Arctic Sports
It is part of the survival skills of the Arctic people and later became a competitive sport in the mid-20th century.
38. Arctic Biathlon
Arctic Biathlon combines skiing and marksmanship.
Popularity of Arctic Biathlon
It is popular in northern Europe and Russia.
Famous Teams or Players
It is usually not associated with famous athletes.
Brief History of Arctic Biathlon
It is a regional adaptation of the Olympic biathlon.
39. Adventure Triathlon
Adventure A triathlon is a multi-sport race which includes the combination of swimming, cycling, and running with added adventure like kayaking or mountain biking.
Popularity of Adventure Triathlon
It is popular among the endurance sports communities worldwide.
Famous Teams
Competitors in the XTERRA Triathlon series.
Brief History of Adventure Triathlon
The sport began in the late 20th century.
40. Air Racing
Air racing is a type of motorsport event where aircraft race around a set course.
Popularity of Air Racing
It is another popular sport in the aviation communities through the Red Bull Air Race.
Famous Players
Paul Bonhomme (United Kingdom), Kirby Chambliss (United States).
Brief History of Air Racing
Air racing was first held in France in 1909, with a revived version organised by Red Bull Air.