The Online Library of Knowledge

Sport

You are here: Culture > Sport

Read Aloud and Word Lookup functions are available for subscribers

Sports

Basketball is a fast-moving game for two teams. The players try to shoot the ball through the other team’s basket, a net mounted 3 m (10 ft) above the court at each end. The game was invented in the USA in the 19th century, with the rules drawn up in 1891.Basketball is a fast-moving game for two teams.Basketball is a fast-moving game for two teams. The players try to shoot the ball through the other team’s basket, a net mounted 3 m (10 ft) above the court at each end. The game was invented in the USA in the 19th century, with the rules drawn up in 1891. A sport is a physical activity in which an individual or team takes part for fun or as part of a competition. In some sports, the person who runs fastest or throws furthest is the winner. In others, such as tennis or football, players win by scoring more points or goals. In sports such as diving, gymnastics or ice skating, judges decide who are the best performers. Professional sportspeople compete for their livelihoods on a regular basis. Other people play sports for fun or exercise.

A sumo wrestling bout at the Fukuoka Tournament in Japan, 2010. Sumo wrestling began in ancient Japan as a ceremony to please the gods. A sumo wrestling bout in JapanA sumo wrestling bout at the Fukuoka Tournament in Japan, 2010. Sumo wrestling began in ancient Japan as a ceremony to please the gods.

Origins of sport

Many of the sports we know today have their origins in ancient history. Some began as religious rituals. Other were tests of strength or endurance. Many of the earliest sports, the "martial arts" such as wrestling, archery and fencing, were based on fighting. Young men had to be trained for battle by practising combat with their hands or with weapons.

Sport in ancient Egypt

Let's Explore

Q-files now has new sections specially written for younger readers. They are: Living world, Earth, Science, Human body, Prehistoric life, Space, History, Geography and Technology.

go to LET'S EXPLORE

Q-files.com is certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program.

© 2019 Q-files Ltd. All rights reserved. Switch to Mobile