Sports That Start With the Letter H: Top 10 and More
There are a wide range of sports that start with the letter H. They include Hockey, Handball, Horseback riding, Hiking, Horse Racing, Handball, Heptathlon and Hip Hop Dance. All of these are popular sports that can be found throughout the world.
Top 10 Sports That Start With H
Table of Contents
Hockey
Hockey might be the most celebrated sport on this list, tracing back over 4,000 years to cultures like the Egyptians and Persians who played a form of it with a ball and stick. The modern incarnation comes in several varieties: ice, field and roller hockey but they all share an emphasis on speed, skill and the occasional scuffle.
Origin and Evolution
Field hockey as we recognize it took shape in British public schools, while ice hockey has its roots in Canada. The etymology is disputed, with some claiming it’s a shortened form of “hock and stick” in reference to a farmer’s game, which leads us to the concept that hockey is the domain of both peasants and princes.
Who’s Playing?
From the NHL to Olympic spectacles, hockey players are known for their tenacity and agility. The sport’s versatility allows for ages ranging from youth to veterans to strap on their skates.
Popular Location
Finland, with its ice hockey-crazed nation, is a key spot. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Australia dominate field hockey, and for a unique perspective, check out India’s blend of tradition and speed on the field.
Hiking
Unlike most sports, hiking is less about competition than it is about communion, connecting participants to nature through the act of walking – think of it as meditation for the movers.
Origin and Evolution
Once upon a time, our survival depended heavily on our ability to walk long distances. Today’s pursuits are partly about reclaiming that natural heritage and partly about the modern joy of exploration.
Who’s Hiking?
Anybody with a love for nature or a desire for adventure! Hiking trails cater to all skill levels, with enthusiasts ranging from casual strollers to dedicated thru-hikers.
Popular Location
The Appalachian Trail in the eastern U.S. is legendary, the Camino de Santiago in Spain spiritual, and the winding paths of the Himalayas – with choices from the Annapurna Circuit to Everest Base Camp – are truly out of this world.
Horse Racing
The Sport of Kings, horse racing has been a favorite human pastime since Central Asian nomads first domesticated horses and began testing their speed and stamina.
Origin and Evolution
Rooted in the ancient world, horse racing has evolved from simple demonstrations of skill to a multi-billion-dollar industry employing thousands and capturing the imaginations of millions.
Who’s Racing?
Jockeys might begin as young as 16, and thoroughbreds have their own set of age benchmarks. Onlookers, however, range from toddlers to seniors, the sport’s thrill being ageless in appeal.
Popular Location
Of course, there’s the Kentucky Derby, the Royal Ascot, and the Dubai World Cup, but horse racing also takes place at tracks from Uruguay to Australia, each with their own flair and prestigious races.
Hip Hop Dance
More than just a fad, hip hop dance, with its roots in African and Afro-Caribbean music and dance, has evolved into a multi-faceted cultural movement and competitive art form.
Origin and Evolution
Starting in the Bronx in the 1970s, hip hop dance represented expressions of freedom and creativity. Today, it’s a part of mainstream culture, influencing everything from pop music to fashion.
Who’s Dancing?
Anybody with rhythm, and venues like the World Hip Hop Dance Championship show just how global and age-spanning the hip hop dancing community is.
Popular Location
The boroughs of New York still hold a special place, but competitions in Paris, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro prove that funk does not have territorial borders.
Half Marathon
A not-too-brief, not-too-long sprint, the half marathon (13.1 miles) has become a sweet spot for runners who’ve graduated from 5Ks and 10Ks but aren’t quite ready for the full 26.2-mile marathon.
Origin and Evolution
The official beginning is less storybook and more bureaucratic, established by a group to showcase the women’s event at the 1966 European Championships.
Who’s Running?
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a mental and physical challenge. The beauty of the half marathon is that it’s doable with proper training and offers a taste of marathon glory.
Popular Location
Newcastle, England’s Great North Run is iconic, while many cities offer their own takes, featuring beautiful and iconic routes that draw both amateurs and pros.
Handball
This fast-paced game is a combination of soccer and basketball, with players using their hands to throw a ball past a goalie into a net. It’s found in various forms across Europe, the Americas, and even Asia.
Origin and Evolution
The origins of handball are diverse, with evidence that it was played in Scandinavia and Germany in the late 19th century.
Who’s Playing?
Popular in schools and clubs across Europe, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and Spain, handball is a hit with athletes looking for a test of coordination and agility.
Popular Location
North Rhine-Westphalia is a haven for handball in Germany, with historical rivalries and packed arenas. In professional sports, the Handball World Championships are the pinnacle.
Hurling
One of the fastest field sports on the planet, hurling mixes the skills of hockey, football, and lacrosse, played with a small ball and a curved stick. It’s another ancient game that still captivates modern athletes.
Origin and Evolution
Thought to date back to prehistoric Ireland, hurling holds strong traditions and has ties to Gaelic football.
Who’s Playing?
Primarily played in Ireland and by the Irish diaspora, hurling can be seen in local parish leagues and the higher echelons of the inter-county championships.
Popular Location
Croke Park in Dublin is the grand stage for the All-Ireland Championships, and while the sport might have a small geographical reach, its fervent following is unmatched.
Heptathlon
For those who feel the decathlon is too predictable, the heptathlon mixes things up, focusing on the combined events of 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, and 200-meter run on day one, and running long jump, javelin throw, and 800-meter run on day two.
Origin and Evolution
The heptathlon for women was introduced in the international athletics championships in 1981, sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
Who’s Competing
Though not as famous as the decathlon for men, the heptathlon is an elite competition for the most well-rounded female athletes, epitomizing versatility and skill.
Popular Location
From the Olympic Games to in-door and out-door championships, the heptathlon has a global reach, but it’s in the hands of athletes like Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Jessica Ennis-Hill that it has truly shined.
Highland Games
A Scottish cultural extravaganza, the Highland Games are a mix of sport (the caber toss, hammer throw, and tug-o-war) and entertainment (dancing, music).
Origin and Evolution
Rooted in the 13th century when King Malcolm III of Scotland summoned men to race, leap, and fight for entertainment and military preparation.
Who’s Competing?
Everything from professionals to everyday athletes takes part in the games, and the events are typically organized by age and gender for fair competition.
Popular Location
The romantic Scottish countryside is the quintessential Highland Games setting, with annual gatherings across the country attracting tourists and competitors alike.
Hapkido
Finishing the list with a martial art steeped in the philosophy of non-resistance and the way of harmony, Hapkido focuses on circular motion, non-opposing movements, and control of the opponent.
Origin and Evolution
Formalized in the mid-20th century by a group of Korean martial artists, Hapkido draws on Kwon Bup (fighting techniques) and Yoo Sool (grappling and striking techniques).
Who’s Practicing?
Those drawn to the art of self-defense and personal growth through physical discipline. Hapkido can be a life-long practice but is accessible even at an older age.
Popular Location
The Korean peninsula is the heartland of Hapkido, with dojos around the world replicating its teachings and techniques.
These are just ten of the many sports that ignite passions and push boundaries. Whether it’s lacing up for the first time on a frosty rink or finding your rhythm in an urban dance circle, sports that start with ‘H’ offer a vibrant palette of physical and cultural experiences. And who knows, you might just find your next favorite pastime within these alphabetic adventures.
FAQs
Are these the only sports that start with ‘H’?
Certainly not! The world of sports is vast and varied. These are just some of the highlights. There are several others that could make their way onto this list, from more traditional games to new and unique activities.
How can I get started in one of these sports?
The best way to start is by finding a local club, class, or training group that can introduce you to the basics. Many sports centers cater to beginners with courses and taster sessions to help you dip your toes in the water (or should we say, rink!).
Which of these sports are the most accessible for beginners?
Hiking and hip hop dance tend to be the most accessible for beginners, as they don’t require the same level of specialized equipment or high-intensity training that some of the other sports on this list do.
However, with the right guidance and attitude, anyone can find their way into any of these sports and find a community to support them as they grow in skill and enjoyment.
