Here are some examples of sports that have a strong connection to cultural values and beliefs ¹:
- Traditional sports like Kabaddi, Sumo wrestling and Indigenous ball games, which preserve ancient practices passed down through generations
- Modern sports events like the Olympic Games and New Zealand’s rugby, which connect sports to a broader cultural context through rituals and ceremonies
- Sporting venues like the Bird’s Nest in Beijing, the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro and Wimbledon’s Centre Court, which reflect local aesthetics and cultural influences
- Sporting idioms and phrases like “it’s a home run” or “scoring a goal,” which contribute to a shared cultural vocabulary
- Cultural festivals and sporting events like the FIFA World Cup or the Super Bowl, which bring people together and foster a sense of camaraderie and shared experience
- Traditional attire and sporting uniforms like the Japanese judoka’s uniform, the Mexican wrestler’s mask and national team jerseys, which reflect cultural identity
