News

Oldest Sports in the World

Published

5 years ago

May 11, 2021

Editor

Ever wondered which sport is the oldest in whole human history ? We dig deep and managed to the top 10 sports which are officially the oldest sports in the world.

#1. Wrestling

Just like prostitution is the oldest profession, Wrestling is widely considered the oldest sport in the world. Wrestling infects is the documented evidence unlike some of the other oldest sports listed on this page. Here are some details about the history of Wrestling.

A “fragment of papyrus” which reportedly dates back between 100 and 200 A.D has the instructions about how to wrestle. The text is in the greek language and the word “pleckson” is used several times which is translated to “fight it out” in English. The document was discovered back in the 1800s in Egypt.
That is not the only document evidence, there have been many dates back to different times but the one mentioned above is certainly the oldest ever found. So there is little doubt that Wresting is certainly the oldest sport known to man.
It has evolved over the centuries of course and it was part of the Olympics as the first set of sports in the era between 800 to 1200 BC. P
While Professional wrestling circuits were first introduced in Paris, France in the 1830s.
Today Wrestling is not only an Olympic sport but a full-fledged professional career and widely regarded as one of the most popular and top sports in the world.

#2. Running & Long Jump

Running is the World’s most accessible sport and it always has been even now. Running universal human physical expression and it should not come as surprise that along with wrestling Running is the oldest sport. Here are some points about running as a sport.

Running was the only sport in the first-ever recorded Olympics held in Athens back in 776 BCE.
While competitive running was in modern times is recorded back to 1829 BCE.
Running as a sport as many disciplines in the Olympics, with slightly different requirements such as marathon, sprint, long jumping and hurdling, etc

#3. Javelin & Discuss Throw

A very interesting sport that is still very popular in the modern Olympics, Javelin Throwing is a track and field sport and it dates back to the ancient Olympics in 708 bc. Here are details about the historic transition of the sport to modern Javelin throwing.

A couple of disciplines likes distance and target throw were part of the sport in the artifacts found which dates back to ancient Olympics in the era of 708s.
In the 1870s Poles used as Javelin now were introduced in Germany and Sweden and by the next decade, it became a yearly national event in Sweden and Finland. no wonder 50% of the medals awarded in modern Olympics to date went to athletes from Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
In the 1890s some rule changes were introduced like limited run-ups before throwing instead of standing throws.
It was introduced in the modern Olympics in 1906 while for women it was introduced in the 1932 Olympics.

#4. Polo

Polo is a team game which is played on horses. It’s a bit like Hockey the difference of course being played on horses back where both teams try to outscore each other by putting “small wooden ball” in the goal.

Polo origins date back to the peak of the Persian empire in central Asia it is believed that Persian emperors used to learn horse riding at a very early age and used to play a sport that would later go on to be known as Polo.

316 AD is the documented evidence about sport like Polo in the Persian empire. While the modern game with rules and regulations was developed in India during the time of the British empire and the first Polo club dates back to 1833 in India.

#5. Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport and one of the most popular combat sport in the world. It has a long and illustrious history in modern times. While historically speaking “fist fightïng” as a sport has evidence from 2nd and 3rd Millenium BC but the fist fighting with hand protection is believed to be in existence from 900 bc to 1500 bc. Romans also had Boxing sport with leather thong wrapped around the hands but in Roman-era boxing was more of a fight till death so strange to call it a sport.

While fist fighting as a sport with rules and regulations can be found in England with “bare-knuckle fighting” in 1681. Boxing’s first rules dates back to 1743 with introduction of 30 second count, no hitting while opponent is down etc.

But from 17th to 18th century fist fighting or boxing sort sport were widely considered illegitimate and there werent many rulings. Amature boxing was introduce in Olympics in 1908, that kind gave new life to boxing with weigh-division rules coming into play at the same time.

So with young boxers fighting in amateur events and Olympics, they would go down to become professional fighters later in their careers ultimately developing better skills of boxing helping to improve the standard. Now boxing is one of the most popular sports in the world.

#6. Gymnastic

Gymnastic is originated from ancient greek and at the beginning, it was a set of training methods deployed for military training but as a sport, its history is not much known from ancient times.

As far as modern Gymnastics is concerned it dates back to the late 18th century when two physical educators from Germany developed and exercise from boys using “apparatus” it would later go on to become a sporting event quickly spread across Europe and then the world.

The international federation for Gymnastic was established in 1891 while it was introduced as a sport with several events for both men and women in 1896.

#7. Football/Soccer

Football sort sports have been played since early centuries from 200 to 300 bc according to FIFA FIFA (The world governing body of football). In medieval times loads of games involving “Ball” were played around Europe and some of them were pretty much like football. A game called “mob football” was played in England in the 10th century but the number of players included was unlimited. Football sort sport was continued to be played around Europe and especially in England and that is where the modern rules/codes were formed when football was played in the schools in England.

The Sheffield FC is the oldest professional football club which was formed in 1857 and soon after that football modern rules were introduced and the first professional cup competition now known as FA Cup started.

#9. Hurling

Hurling has been played in Ireland for over 3000 years making it one of the oldest sport in the world. It is a team game which is played with a stick called “Hurley” and the ball “sliotar”. The objective is to score goals into the opposing goalposts with the use of the stick. Unlike some of the other sport listed here, Hurling has a documented history and it is very popular in Ireland.

#10. Field Hockey

A game pretty similar to field hockey can be traced back to ancient greek were some of the graphics discovered show paintings of people playing some sport with a curved stick/Horne and ball. The modern hockey rules were invented in England by the Middlesex cricket club in the last 19th century and it spread to British colonies In Australia, Africa, and the sub-continent. International hockey federations were established and hockey was included in the Olympics in 1908.

Cricket

Co-host Sri Lanka crash out after 61-run hammering by New Zealand in Colombo

Published

7 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Editor

Co-hosts Sri Lanka were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after suffering a crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand national cricket team in their Super Eights clash at R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday night.

Chasing 169 for victory, Sri Lanka faltered under pressure and limped to 107/8 in their 20 overs — a performance far below expectations for a side playing at home and carrying co-host status.

Powerplay Collapse Set the Tone

The chase never truly began. Sri Lanka crawled to just 20/2 in the Powerplay, a stark contrast to New Zealand’s 44/2 in the first six overs. The early damage left the middle order with too much to do, and the required rate kept climbing.

By the 14-over mark, the hosts were reeling at 71/6, effectively ending hopes of a comeback. The lack of intent against spin and disciplined seam bowling exposed Sri Lanka’s fragile batting unit on a surface that offered grip but was far from unplayable.

New Zealand’s Late Surge the Difference

Ironically, New Zealand themselves were under pressure at 88/6 in 14 overs. However, a crucial 50-run stand between Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie in the death overs swung momentum decisively.

The Black Caps plundered 70 runs in the final phase, finishing on 168/7 — a total that proved more than enough against Sri Lanka’s timid response.

The boundary count told the full story:

New Zealand: 8 sixes, 13 fours (100 runs in boundaries)
Sri Lanka: 1 six, 8 fours (38 runs in boundaries)

In modern T20 cricket, such disparity is unforgiving.

Tactical Questions for the Hosts

Sri Lanka’s elimination is particularly disappointing given their familiarity with conditions and strong home support. The batting approach appeared overly cautious, and the inability to rotate strike compounded the pressure.

Their 46% dot-ball percentage further underlined the stagnation in the chase — a worrying sign at this level.

As co-hosts, expectations were high for a deep run. Instead, Sri Lanka exit the tournament with serious questions over:

Batting intent in high-pressure chases
Middle-order stability
Tactical flexibility in crunch moments

End of the Roa

With this defeat, Sri Lanka’s Super Eights campaign comes to a premature end, while New Zealand march on with confidence and momentum.

For Sri Lanka, the heartbreak is magnified by the fact that the dream has ended on home soil — under the Colombo lights, in front of their own fans.

A tournament that promised pride and progress now closes with reflection and regret.

Cricket

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand in T20 World Cup: Head-to-Head Record, Past Results & Winning Trends

Published

1 day ago

February 24, 2026

Editor

As Sri Lanka prepare to face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, history shows a competitive rivalry — but one where the Black Caps hold a slight statistical edge.

Here’s a closer look at the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head record, their T20 World Cup results, and recent winning momentum.

Overall T20 Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches: 28
New Zealand Wins: 16
Sri Lanka Wins: 11
No Result: 1

New Zealand have won 57% of the encounters, giving them the overall advantage. However, Sri Lanka have delivered key performances on the World Cup stage.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – T20 World Cup History

2007 – Sri Lanka’s Dominant Chase

Johannesburg
New Zealand: 164/7
Sri Lanka: 168/3 (18.5 overs)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets

Sanath Jayasuriya’s 61 guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable chase. It remains one of Sri Lanka’s strongest T20 World Cup wins over New Zealand.

2010 – Last-Ball Drama

Providence
Sri Lanka: 135/6
New Zealand: 139/8 (19.5 overs)
Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets

Sri Lanka defended hard, but New Zealand held their nerve to win with one ball remaining.

2012 – Thriller in Pallekele

Pallekele
New Zealand: 174/7
Sri Lanka: 174/6
Match tied – Sri Lanka won Super Over

One of the most dramatic T20 World Cup games between the two sides. Sri Lanka held their composure in the Super Over on home soil.

2022 – New Zealand’s Big Win

Sydney
New Zealand: 167/7
Sri Lanka: 102 all out
Result: New Zealand won by 65 runs

A heavy defeat for Sri Lanka, marked by a batting collapse while chasing 168.

Recent Form Comparison

New Zealand – Last 5 Matches

W, W, L, W, Abandoned
Strong consistency
Clinical in pressure situations

Sri Lanka – Last 5 Matches

W, W, W, L, L
Positive run earlier
Slight dip in recent matches

New Zealand appear slightly more consistent heading into recent contests, while Sri Lanka’s form has fluctuated.

Key Trends from Past Meetings

Sri Lanka Succeed When Chasing Well

Both their World Cup successes (2007 and 2012 Super Over) came when they handled pressure calmly.

New Zealand Dominate with Bowling Discipline

In 2010 and 2022, New Zealand’s structured bowling attacks made the difference.

Big Margins Favour New Zealand

Sri Lanka’s wins tend to be controlled or tight.
New Zealand’s wins often come through dominant bowling or strong finishing.

Winning Edge: Who Holds It

New Zealand Advantage: Overall record, recent dominant World Cup win (2022), balanced bowling attack.
Sri Lanka Advantage: Ability to thrive in pressure moments, strong spin resources, better familiarity with subcontinental conditions.

Final Analysis

New Zealand hold the statistical upper hand in T20 internationals and recent World Cup meetings. However, Sri Lanka have proven they can rise in high-pressure tournament moments — particularly when chasing or playing at home.

For Sri Lanka to shift the balance, they must:

Avoid middle-order collapses
Strike early in the Powerplay
Control New Zealand’s middle overs
Execute death bowling with precision

With history showing close contests and dramatic finishes, the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand rivalry remains one of the more balanced matchups in T20 World Cup cricket.

Cricket

England Begin Super Eights with Statement Win as Sri Lanka Falter in Chase

Published

3 days ago

February 22, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s Super Eight campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 suffered a major blow in Kandy on Sunday, as co-hosts fell to a comprehensive 51-run defeat against England cricket team, leaving their semi-final prospects under pressure.

Electing to field first on a slow pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka’s bowlers made early inroads and restricted England to 146/9, defending a modest total with a disciplined effort that saw several tight overs in the middle phase.

Phil Salt was the standout performer with the bat for England, anchoring their innings with a crucial 62 off 36 balls, while other batters struggled to accelerate.

However, it was England’s bowling and fielding — led by an impressive all-round showing from Will Jacks — that ultimately decided the contest. Jacks’ left-arm spin delivered a match-turning spell of 3/22 in four overs, and he also chipped in with vital lower-order runs that helped tilt the momentum fully in England’s favour.

“I thought we executed our plans really well with the ball,” Jacks said after being named Player of the Match. “We knew the conditions would be tough, and credit to our bowlers for sticking to their lengths and building pressure.”

Sri Lanka’s Chase Falls Apart

Chasing a target of 147, Sri Lanka never recovered from a top-order collapse. After losing early wickets in the Powerplay, the home side slumped to 34/5, leaving the middle and lower order with an uphill task.

Captain Dasun Shanaka was among the few who offered resistance, scoring a gritty 30, but there was little support around him as the innings deteriorated rapidly. Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 95 in 16.4 overs, failing to adapt to England’s bowling pressure on a slow surface.

“It’s disappointing,” Shanaka said post-match. “We knew runs wouldn’t come easy, but we didn’t build partnerships. We let ourselves down in crucial moments.”

What It Means for Sri Lanka

England’s victory gives them a valuable boost in Super Eight Group 2, strengthening their bid for a semi-final spot. For Sri Lanka, the loss raises questions about their batting depth and ability to chase under pressure, especially after entering the Super Eights with solid momentum from the group stage.

With their next match looming, Sri Lanka must regroup quickly if they are to keep their World Cup ambitions alive on home soil.