Aug 8, 2024
By: Prerna Tyagi
Credit: iStock
Pigeon racing was featured as a demonstration sport at the 1900 Paris Olympics. In this event, pigeons were released from a specific point, and the one that returned home the fastest was declared the winner. It was not included as an official Olympic sport in subsequent games.
Credit: wikipedia
Firefighting competitions were part of the 1900 Paris Olympics, serving as a demonstration sport. Teams of firefighters showcased their skills in various firefighting techniques. The event did not become a regular Olympic sport.
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Ballooning was featured as a demonstration sport in the 1900 Paris Olympics. The event included balloon flights to test navigational skills and endurance. Although it was an exciting and novel event, it was not included in future Olympics due to the complexity and safety concerns.Government de France
Credit: Government de France
Polo, a team sport played on horseback, was part of the Olympic program in several early 20th-century games (1900, 1908, 1920, 1924, 1936). Teams of riders use mallets to hit a ball into the opposing team's goal. The sport was eventually discontinued due to the high cost and logistical challenges of transporting horses.
Credit: wikipedia
Tug-of-war was included in the Olympics from 1900 to 1920. Teams competed by pulling on opposite ends of a rope, aiming to drag the other team across a central line. The sport was dropped from the Olympic program after 1920 due to changes in the athletic agenda and focus.
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Ice Hockey was first introduced in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp before becoming a staple in the Winter Olympics from 1924 onwards. The sport involves two teams on ice skates using sticks to hit a puck into the opposing team's net. Its inclusion in the Winter Olympics allowed for better seasonal alignment.
Credit: TOI
Basque Pelota, a traditional game from the Basque region, was featured in the 1900 Paris Olympics. Players hit a ball against a wall using their hands, a racket, or a bat. Although it was an exciting and culturally significant sport, it did not gain enough international popularity to remain in the Olympics.
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Alpinism, or mountaineering, was recognised as an Olympic sport in the 1924 Winter Olympics. The event honoured climbers who made significant ascents, particularly in the Alps. It was a non-competitive event and was later excluded due to the difficulties in standardising competition and judging criteria.
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Croquet was included in the 1900 Paris Olympics. This lawn game involves hitting wooden balls through hoops using mallets. Despite its popularity in Europe, croquet did not return to the Olympics after 1900, likely due to its limited appeal and spectator interest.
Credit: wikipedia
Lacrosse was included in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics. This team sport, originally played by Native American tribes, involves using a stick with a net to carry and pass a small ball with the aim of scoring goals. It was later replaced by other team sports but remains popular in North America.
Credit: 1908 Summer Olympics Official Report