69 Girl Sports List (sorted by Popularity)

A list of 69 sports for girls ranked by popularity, from soccer, basketball and tennis to squash, inline skating, rafting and triathlon.

The ranking follows what girls and women actually take up, from school teams through to adult clubs, and it spans team games, individual sports and outdoor pursuits. Each entry names the origin, the countries where it is strongest and the federation behind it.

Girl Sports List

1. Soccer
2. Basketball
3. Tennis
4. Volleyball
5. Swimming
6. Gymnastics
7. Track and Field
8. Softball
9. Figure Skating
10. Dance

Girls Sports at a Glance

Every sport in this table has a full professional or international pathway for women. The Olympic column is the year the women’s event entered the programme, which is often decades after the men’s.

The gap between the first two columns and the fourth is the story of the list. Swimming and figure skating let women compete before the First World War, while soccer waited until 1996, and the professional leagues followed later still.

#1 Soccer

Soccer, also known as football, is believed to have originated in various forms throughout history, with evidence dating as far back as 2500 BCE in ancient China. The modern form of soccer was established in England in the 19th century.

Today, soccer is the most popular sport globally, with an estimated 4 billion fans. The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, is the most prestigious tournament in soccer.

Women’s soccer has gained immense popularity, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place since 1991.

#2 Basketball

Basketball was invented in 1891 by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. It has grown to be one of the most popular sports worldwide, especially in the United States.

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) debuted in 1997, providing a professional platform for female athletes. Women’s basketball became an Olympic sport in 1976.

#3 Tennis

Tennis traces its origins back to 12th-century France, where it was played with a ball and the palm of the hand. The modern version was developed in England during the 1800s.

Tennis is a popular sport worldwide, with major tournaments like Wimbledon, the French Open, the US Open, and the Australian Open. Women’s tennis is highly competitive, with greats like Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova dominating the sport for years.

Tennis has been featuring women’s singles and doubles events in the Olympics since 1900.

#4 Volleyball

Volleyball was created in 1895 by American William G. Morgan as a blend of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball. Today, it is played worldwide and is popular among women, especially in the United States, Brazil, and Russia.

The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) oversees the sport, and women’s volleyball has been an Olympic sport since 1964.

#5 Swimming

Swimming has a long history, with early evidence dating back to 7,000 BCE during the Stone Age. It is a popular sport worldwide, with competitive events held internationally.

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) governs the sport, and women’s swimming has been a part of the Olympic program since 1912.

#6 Gymnastics

Gymnastics dates back to ancient Greece, where it was originally developed as a form of physical exercise. Today, gymnastics is an immensely popular sport worldwide, especially among women.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) oversees the sport, and women’s gymnastics has been an Olympic sport since 1928, with the first women’s apparatus event (balance beam) taking place in Amsterdam.

#7 Track and Field

Track and Field, also known as Athletics, has its roots in various ancient civilizations, including Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Today, it is a popular sport worldwide, with events ranging from sprints to long-distance races and various field events.

Women’s Track and Field became part of the Olympic program in 1928, and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) governs the sport.

#8 Softball

Softball was invented in 1887 by George Hancock in Chicago, USA, as an indoor variant of baseball. The sport gained popularity in the United States and later spread globally.

The International Softball Federation (ISF) governs the sport, and women’s softball was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1996, with the last Olympic appearance in 2008. However, it returned in the 2020 Tokyo Games.

#9 Figure Skating

Figure Skating has its origin in the European winter activity of ice skating, dating back to the 13th century. Today, it is a popular sport among women worldwide, with notable skaters like Michelle Kwan and Yuna Kim captivating audiences.

The International Skating Union (ISU) oversees the sport, and women’s figure skating has been part of the Olympic program since 1908.

#10 Dance

Dance is a diverse form of art and sport, with origins tracing back to ancient civilizations worldwide. Today, different dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop are practiced globally.

Dance competitions, such as the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) World Championships, showcase the talent of female dancers. Dance is not an Olympic sport, but it is highly popular among girls and women of all ages as a recreational and competitive activity.

More Sports with Girl

1. Cheerleading: Originating in the United States in the late 1800s, cheerleading began as an all-male activity, later evolving to include female participants. It is popular in North America and has gained popularity globally. Cheerleading involves a combination of dance, acrobatics, and stunts, and competitive cheerleading events are held worldwide, such as the ICU World Championships. It is not an Olympic sport but is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
2. Field Hockey: Field hockey’s roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, Egypt, and India. Today, it is popular in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) governs the sport, and women’s field hockey has been played in the Olympics since 1980.
3. Lacrosse: Lacrosse was initially played by Native American tribes and later adapted by European settlers. It is highly popular in North America, especially in the United States and Canada. The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) oversees the sport. Women’s lacrosse has not yet been included in the Olympic program.
4. Golf: Golf’s origins can be traced back to 15th-century Scotland. It is popular worldwide, with major tournaments such as the Women’s British Open and the LPGA Championship. The sport returned to the Olympic program in 2016, with separate events for men and women.
5. Cycling: Cycling has its origins in 19th-century Europe and has grown in popularity across the globe. Women’s cycling events include road races, track cycling, and mountain biking. Women’s cycling has been part of the Olympic program since 1984.
6. Ice Hockey: Ice hockey was developed in 19th-century Canada and is now popular in North America and Europe. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) governs the sport, and women’s ice hockey has been an Olympic sport since 1998.
7. Skiing: Skiing has ancient origins, dating back over 4,000 years in various regions, including Scandinavia and Central Asia. It is popular in countries with snowy mountainous regions, such as Austria, France, and the United States. Women’s skiing competitions include alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and freestyle skiing and have been part of the Winter Olympics since the 1920s and 1930s.
8. Snowboarding: Snowboarding was developed in the United States during the 1960s, combining elements of surfing and skiing. It is popular in countries with snowy mountains, such as the United States, Canada, and Japan. Women’s snowboarding events have been part of the Winter Olympics since 1998.
9. Equestrian: Equestrian sports have roots in ancient civilizations and include disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and eventing. It is popular worldwide, particularly in Europe, North America, and Australia. Women’s equestrian events have been part of the Olympic program since 1952.
10. Rugby: Rugby was developed in 19th-century England and has grown in popularity worldwide. Women’s rugby includes both rugby union and rugby sevens. Women’s rugby sevens made its Olympic debut in the 2016 Rio Games. Rugby Union has its major international Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament.
11. Surfing: Surfing has its origins in ancient Polynesian culture, particularly in Hawaii. Today, it is popular in countries with coastlines offering good wave conditions, such as the USA, Australia, and Brazil. Women’s surfing has gained popularity in recent years, with the World Surf League (WSL) holding annual Championship Tours. Surfing made its Olympic debut, including women’s events, in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
12. Rowing: Rowing dates back to ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. It is popular worldwide on rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Women’s rowing has been part of the Olympic program since the 1976 Montreal Games.
13. Cross Country: Cross country running has its origins in the early 19th-century England. It is a popular sport worldwide, with events ranging from regional to international levels. Women’s cross country has been part of the Olympic program since 1984.
14. Diving: Diving as a sport evolved from gymnastics in the late 19th century in Europe, particularly in Sweden and Germany. It is popular across the globe, especially in countries with strong aquatic programs, such as China, Australia, and the United States. Women’s diving has been an Olympic sport since 1912.
15. Water Polo: Water polo was developed in the late 19th century in both England and Scotland. It is popular worldwide, particularly in Europe, North America, and Australia. Women’s water polo was introduced in the Olympic program in 2000 during the Sydney Games.
16. Synchronized Swimming: Synchronized swimming, combining swimming, dance, and gymnastics, originated in the late 19th century in the United Kingdom and Canada. It is popular worldwide, with countries such as Russia, the United States, and Japan dominating the sport. Women’s synchronized swimming has been part of the Olympic program since 1984, with both duet and team events in the competition.
17. Badminton: Badminton traces its origins back to ancient India, where a similar game was played with a shuttlecock and rackets. Modern badminton was developed in England in the 19th century. It is particularly popular in Asia, especially China, Indonesia, and India. Women’s badminton has been part of the Olympic program since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
18. Table Tennis: Table tennis was developed in late 19th-century England as a recreation of lawn tennis played indoors. It is popular worldwide, particularly in Asia, with powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea dominating the sport. Women’s table tennis has been part of the Olympic program since 1988.
19. Fencing: Fencing has its origins in Europe dating back to medieval times as a practice of swordsmanship. It is popular worldwide, with European countries like Italy, France, and Hungary dominating the sport. Women’s fencing has been part of the Olympic program since 1924.
20. Archery: Archery dates back to ancient civilizations and has been practiced for hunting, warfare, and sport. It is popular worldwide, with South Korea, the United States, and European countries currently dominating the sport. Women’s archery has been part of the Olympic program since 1904, with more regular participation since 1972.
21. Taekwondo: Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that evolved from ancient martial arts and modern influences. It is practiced globally, with countries like South Korea, China, and the United States being powerhouses in the sport. Women’s taekwondo made its Olympic debut in the 2000 Sydney Games.
22. Karate: Karate is a Japanese martial art that evolved from the combination of indigenous and Chinese martial arts. It has grown popular worldwide, with numerous tournaments held annually. Women’s karate events were included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the first time.
23. Judo: Judo, another Japanese martial art, was developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century, adapting techniques from traditional Japanese martial arts. It is popular globally, and women’s judo has been part of the Olympic program since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
24. Wrestling: Wrestling has ancient origins, practiced in various civilizations worldwide. It is popular as both freestyle and Greco-Roman disciplines. Women’s freestyle wrestling has been part of the Olympic program since the 2004 Athens Games.
25. Boxing: Boxing traces its roots to ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece. The modern form of the sport developed in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Women’s boxing was introduced to the Olympic program in the 2012 London Games.
26. Kickboxing: Kickboxing was developed in the 20th century, combining elements of boxing and traditional martial arts. It is popular worldwide, with numerous regional and international competitions. The sport is not part of the Olympic program but is widely practiced by girls and women as a form of self-defense and competitive activity.
27. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was developed in the 20th century through the adaptation of Japanese Judo practices by the Gracie family in Brazil. The martial art focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. It is popular worldwide but has not yet become part of the Olympic program. Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions are held globally, such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships.
28. Aerial Sports: Aerial sports include disciplines like artistic and rhythmic gymnastics on aerial apparatuses such as silks, hoops, and trapeze. These sports have gained popularity worldwide, with competitions like the Aerial Hoop World Series and the World Pole Dance Championship. Aerial sports are not currently part of the Olympic program but are enjoyed by girls and women globally.
29. Ultimate Frisbee: Ultimate frisbee was invented in the United States in the 1960s, combining elements of football, soccer, and basketball. It is played by teams of seven players, with a focus on fair play and self-officiation. The sport is popular in North America, Europe, and Asia, and there are numerous women’s competitions, such as the World Ultimate Club Championships. Ultimate frisbee is not yet an Olympic sport.
30. Netball: Netball is a sport derived from early versions of basketball and was developed in the late 19th century in England. It is primarily played by women and is particularly popular in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The International Netball Federation (INF) organizes the Netball World Cup, held every four years.
31. Cricket: Cricket’s origins go back to England in the 16th century, and today it is popular worldwide, particularly in Commonwealth countries. Women’s cricket has grown in popularity, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) organizing tournaments like the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Women’s cricket has not yet been included in the Olympic program.
32. Triathlon: The triathlon, combining swimming, cycling, and running, was developed in the United States in the 1970s. It is popular worldwide, with the International Triathlon Union (ITU) governing the sport. Women’s triathlon has been part of the Olympic program since the 2000 Sydney Games.
33. Marathon: Marathons have their origins in ancient Greece, commemorating the legendary run of Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens. Today, marathons are held across the globe, and women’s marathons have been part of the Olympics since 1984.
34. Canoeing: Canoeing is an ancient practice dating back thousands of years and developed as a means of transport in various cultures. It is popular worldwide, and women’s canoeing has been part of the Olympics since 1948, with the addition of more disciplines over the years.
35. Kayaking: Kayaking is a water sport where participants propel themselves in a small, narrow boat called a kayak using a double-bladed paddle. It is popular in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, with various types of kayaking, including whitewater, sea, and recreational. Women’s kayaking events have been an Olympic sport since 1948.
36. Rafting: Rafting is a thrilling water sport where participants navigate a raft through rough waters, typically in whitewater river conditions. It is popular in regions with fast-flowing rivers, such as the Colorado River in the USA and the Zambezi River in Africa. Women’s rafting competitions are held globally, including the International Rafting Federation (IRF) World Rafting Championships.
37. Skateboarding: Skateboarding originated in the United States in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity worldwide. Women’s skateboarding events have grown in recent years, and skateboarding made its Olympic debut, including women’s events, in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
38. Inline Skating: Inline skating, also known as rollerblading, was developed in the 1980s and gained popularity in the United States and Europe. Women’s inline skating competitions include aggressive inline skating, speed skating, and freestyle slalom. Inline skating has not yet been included in the Olympic program, but women’s events are held at the World Roller Games.
39. Squash: Squash was invented in the 19th century in England as a variant of racquetball. It is played globally and has a strong following in countries such as England, Egypt, and Australia. Women’s squash competitions have been held since the early 20th century, with major events like the Women’s World Squash Championships. Squash is not an Olympic sport.
40. Handball: Handball took its modern indoor form in Scandinavia and Germany in the 1920s and is one of the biggest team sports for women in Europe. Seven players a side throw and jump their way past a goalkeeper over two halves of thirty minutes. The International Handball Federation (IHF) governs the sport, and the women’s tournament has been Olympic since Montreal in 1976.
41. Beach Volleyball: Beach Volleyball grew out of the Santa Monica beaches of the 1920s and became a professional circuit in the 1980s. Two players a side cover the whole court in sand, which makes it as much an endurance sport as a technical one. The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) runs the Beach Pro Tour, and the women’s event has been Olympic since Atlanta in 1996.
42. Baseball: Baseball has had a women’s side since the Bloomer Girls teams of the 1890s and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that filled stadiums during the Second World War. Women’s baseball is played today in Japan, the United States, Canada and Australia. The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) holds the Women’s Baseball World Cup. The women’s game is not on the Olympic programme.
43. Flag Football: Flag Football removes the tackle from American football and pulls a flag from the ball carrier’s belt instead, which made it the fastest growing girls’ team sport in American high schools in the 2020s. Teams are five a side on a shortened field. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) governs it, and women’s flag football joins the Olympic programme at Los Angeles in 2028.
44. Sport Climbing: Sport Climbing left the mountains for artificial walls in the 1980s and now splits into lead, bouldering and speed. It draws an unusually even split of women and men, and the strength to weight demands favour technique over raw power. The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) governs it, and women’s events have been Olympic since Tokyo in 2020.
45. Bowling: Ten-pin Bowling was standardised in the United States in 1895 and became one of the earliest team sports women played in organised leagues, with the Women’s International Bowling Congress founded in 1916. It is played recreationally by millions and professionally on the PWBA Tour. The International Bowling Federation runs the world championships. It is not an Olympic sport.
46. Curling: Curling was played on frozen Scottish lochs in the 16th century and is now strongest in Canada, Scandinavia and Switzerland. Four players a side slide granite stones toward a target while two sweep the ice ahead of them, which makes it a sport of touch and tactics. The World Curling Federation governs it, and the women’s tournament has been Olympic since Nagano in 1998.
47. Speed Skating: Speed Skating grew from Dutch canal racing and became a track sport in the 19th century, split today into long track ovals and short track pack racing. The Netherlands, South Korea and Canada dominate. The International Skating Union (ISU) governs both forms, and women have raced at the Winter Olympics since 1960 on the long track and 1992 on the short track.
48. Roller Derby: Roller Derby was a mixed endurance spectacle in 1930s America and was rebuilt from the ground up by women in Austin, Texas in 2001 as a flat-track, skater-owned contact sport. A jammer scores by lapping the opposing pack while blockers hit her back. The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) governs several hundred leagues worldwide. It is not an Olympic sport.
49. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Rhythmic Gymnastics joined hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon to dance and ballet in the Soviet Union of the 1940s and remains a women’s discipline at international level. Routines are judged on difficulty, artistry and apparatus handling. The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) governs it, and it has been Olympic since Los Angeles in 1984.
50. Trampoline: Trampoline was invented by George Nissen in Iowa in 1936 out of a circus safety net and became a competitive gymnastics discipline after the war. Routines of ten skills are scored on difficulty, execution and time of flight. The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) governs it, and the women’s event has been Olympic since Sydney in 2000.
51. Weightlifting: Olympic Weightlifting contests the snatch and the clean and jerk, and the first women’s world championship was held in 1987 after decades of the sport being closed to them. China, the United States and Thailand lead the medal tables. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) governs it, and women have lifted at the Olympics since Sydney in 2000.
52. Powerlifting: Powerlifting separated from weightlifting in the 1960s and tests the squat, bench press and deadlift for a single maximum each. Women’s participation has grown faster than any other strength sport since 2010, helped by raw, unequipped divisions. The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) runs the world championships, and the sport is Paralympic as para powerlifting but not Olympic.
53. Pickleball: Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965 and has been the fastest growing sport in the United States since 2020, with women making up close to half of all players. It is played on a badminton sized court with paddles and a perforated ball. The International Pickleball Federation and the PPA Tour organise competition. It is not an Olympic sport.
54. Polo: Polo came from Persian cavalry training and reached Britain through India in the 1860s. Women’s polo has its own tournament circuit in Argentina, England and the United States, and the sport is one of the few in which women and men regularly compete in the same team. The Federation of International Polo governs it. It last appeared at the Olympics in 1936.
55. Dragon Boat Racing: Dragon Boat Racing goes back more than two thousand years to the Chinese Duanwu festival on the Miluo river and became an international sport in the 1970s. Twenty paddlers stroke to a drummer over 200 to 2000 metres, and breast cancer survivor crews have made it one of the most inclusive water sports for women. The International Dragon Boat Federation governs it. It is not an Olympic sport.
56. Orienteering: Orienteering began as Swedish military training in the 1890s and asks runners to find control points in rough terrain with map and compass, so route choice counts as much as speed. Nordic countries dominate, and the women’s field is among the deepest in any endurance sport. The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) governs it. It is a World Games sport, not an Olympic one.
57. Biathlon: Biathlon joins cross-country skiing with rifle shooting and came from Scandinavian military patrols. Every missed shot costs a penalty loop, which turns the race into a test of nerve as much as of endurance. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) governs it, and women have raced at the Winter Olympics since Albertville in 1992.
58. Bobsleigh: Bobsleigh started in St. Moritz in the 1860s when hotel guests bolted two sledges together, and crews now reach 150 kilometres an hour down iced tracks. The women’s two-woman event has been Olympic since Salt Lake City in 2002, and the solo monobob was added in Beijing in 2022. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) governs it.
59. Sailing: Sailing has been raced competitively since the Dutch jachten of the 17th century and covers dinghies, keelboats, windsurfers and foiling kites. Women race in their own classes and in mixed crews, and offshore records have repeatedly been set by solo women sailors. World Sailing governs the sport, and women’s events have been on the Olympic programme since Seoul in 1988.

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