10 Sports That Start With N (Origin and Where Each Is Played)

Sports can mean a lot of things to many people. It can be stress-relieving. It can be exciting. Regardless, it is one of the constants in this world. Many see it as a healthy distraction from the rest of the world. It can serve as that because of the unpredictability and uncertainty while still not resulting in the end of the world.

Some of the sports you will see on this list are not well-known. Yet, they all serve some importance in someone’s life. They all have fascinating histories. Some of them have been around for centuries.

Some of the sports that start with N are very competitive and fierce, with a great and unique story to tell. Others are devised from other sports. Let’s take a look at them.

10. Naginatajutsu

Some sports come from ancient times. Naginatajutsu is one of those sports. It originated in Japan and has been practiced for centuries. The goal of the sport is to get your opponent to release their long wooden stick by making contact with it.

There are Naginatajutsu competitions held in various spots around the glove. The United States Naginata Federation tracks some of these events held in the US. It is one of the sports that starts with N and has a lot of historical value with a cultural appreciation behind it.

9. Netball

Out of all the sports that start with N, netball is the most interesting. It came out of the concept of basketball, which utilized a backboard and a net. But in this case, there is no backboard. You have to get the ball into the basket with mere precision merely.

It is also one of the most popular sports in Australia and has been around since basketball. You can play it on the beach or at the park. It is an outdoor sport, but you can also bring the net into the gym. It is very fun and will give you lots of action and exercise.

8. Newcomb Ball

The concept of Newcomb ball came at the same time as volleyball. Clara Baer created the game in 1829 in Louisiana. She did this because the game was easy to set up. All you needed was a net and a court to put it on. Similar to volleyball, you divide the players evenly.

But this game has fouls. Some fouls can include letting the ball hit the ground or even striking a player with the ball. Another example includes stepping over the lines. Overall, it is one of the sports that start with N that has not maintained popularity compared to volleyball. But it is still a historic sport with many attributes.

7. Nia (Aerobics)

This is one of the newer sports on this list. Nia is a version of a sport, but it still made the list due to the importance of the technique. Debbie Rosas created the technique in the 1980s. She created the technique as an alternative to aerobics. Ultimately, it was several sports injuries that caused her to perfect this technique, and then she introduced it to her classes.

The Nia technique blends martial arts with some yoga in addition to modern dance. Rosas patented the technique and still promotes it today.

6. Nineball Pool

If you have been to any taverns or bars, you might have seen a pool table. Nineball Pool is a classic game that started in 1920 in the United States. People play it all the time. Thus, lots of money has been bet over a simple game of billiards.

People play this sport throughout the world. You can find tournaments near your location in almost any big city around the world. The World Billiards Championships celebrates the best in the world at this sport. Subsequently, it is one of the best sports that start with N that anyone can play.

5. Nine-Pin Bowling

You will mostly see nine-pin bowling in Europe. You will see some places with it in Texas. It is not common in the United States. But it is still an interesting concept and one of the funner activities to do. The game first started around Medieval Times and has evolved in the decades since.

The nine pins in the formation usually look like a diamond. Similar to regular bowling, the goal is to knock over all the pins with two turns.

4. Nordic Combined

There is nothing like skiing down the mountain with a great trail and amazing slopes. Nordic combined blends everything you love about skiing. There is cross-country and ski jumping, and it only happens in the winter.

The sport started in Norway in 1892. Later, it became part of the Winter Olympics in 1924. You can compete as individuals or in teams. Additionally, the sport consists of several jumps that you must make over obstacles to complete the course. Nordic combined is very beloved and one of the most popular winter competitions.

3. Nordic Walking

Out of all the sports on this list, this one is very uplifting. The irony here is that Nordic walking started in Finland. The object of the exercise is to walk with poles. You can do this with as little or with as many people as you like.

Nordic walking helps out the triceps and biceps. Additionally, it can help your shoulders and abdominals. People of any age can do it. But it has been more common with older adults. It is an effective walking technique that helps you keep in shape and stay healthy.

2. Ninja Warriors

This is technically sports entertainment. We included it on this list because it still requires overcoming numerous obstacles to win a challenge. In this case, the American Ninja Challenge required contestants to try and get through numerous challenges on a course that would get in their way. The main goal is to avoid falling into the water.

The concept of Ninja Warrior started recently. It came from an original Japanese show, and there have been multiple spinoffs since.

1. Nunchaku-do

If you are looking at a high-combat sport, then Nunchaku-do is the sport for you. This involves using nunchucks to try and overcome your opponent. Nunchaku-do likely came from China. Originally, the weapon used in this sport was designed for self-defense purposes.

The World Nunchaku Association offers several competitions to show the best at this sport. It also gives a history of the sport while also explaining what it is. It is one of the most unique sports that starts with N.

Summary of 10 Sports That Start With N (Origin and Where Each Is Played)

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