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Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of invigorating “I” sports!

Ignite your interest and indulge in an incredible array of indoor and international athletic activities.

Get inspired from this incredible collection of sports includes exciting activities such as ice hockey, ice climbing, and even indoor skydiving!

Sports that start with the Letter I

  1. Ice Hockey
  2. Ice Skating
  3. Inline Skating
  4. Indoor Skydiving
  5. Iaido
  6. International Rules Football
  7. Indoor Soccer
  8. Indoor Cricket
  9. Ironman
  10. Ice Climbing

📹 Video

#1 Ice Hockey

Ice Skating

Originating in Canada in the late 19th century, ice hockey has evolved into one of the most popular winter sports worldwide.

Played on an ice rink and fiercely competitive, ice hockey is immensely popular in North American countries, Northern Europe, and Russia.

The prestigious National Hockey League (NHL) in North America and the annual Ice Hockey World Championships, governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), attract millions of fans every year. Ice hockey was included in the Winter Olympics in 1924.

#2 Ice Skating

Ice Skating

Dating back to prehistoric times, ice skating has remains a popular recreational and competitive activity. Figure skating and speed skating are the most well-known disciplines, originating in the UK and the Netherlands, respectively.

Competitive events include the World Figure Skating Championships and the Winter Olympics, where figure skating made its debut in 1908 and speed skating in 1924.

#3 Inline Skating

Inline Skating

Also known as rollerblading, inline skating emerged in the 1980s as an alternative to traditional roller skating.

The sport originated in the United States and quickly gained popularity in Europe and Asia.

The Inline Skating World Championships, held annually, is the premier event for the sport. There are various disciplines, such as aggressive inline skating, freestyle slalom, and speed skating.

#4 Indoor Skydiving

Indoor Skydiving

A thrilling and innovative sport, indoor skydiving simulates the sensation of freefall without jumping out of an airplane.

Using a vertical wind tunnel, adventurers experience the sensation of flying through the air. Popular in many countries worldwide, the sport is governed by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA).

Competitions include the Indoor Skydiving World Cup and Indoor Skydiving World Championships.

#5 Iaido

Iaido

This traditional Japanese martial art originated in the 16th century and focuses on the practice of drawing, cutting, and sheathing a sword with fluid, precise movements.

The sport is primarily practiced in Japan, with international organizations like the International Iaido Federation (IIF) promoting its growth worldwide. Iaido is not an Olympic sport, but it is part of the World Combat Games.

#6 International Rules Football

A hybrid of Australian rules football and Gaelic football, international rules football was officially established in 1984.

The sport is mainly played between teams from Ireland and Australia, such as the Australian Football League (AFL) and Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

The International Rules Series is a biennial event featuring national teams from both countries.

#7 Indoor Soccer

Indoor Soccer

Born in the 1970s in North America as a way to play soccer during harsh winters, indoor soccer has grown globally. Indoor soccer is predominantly played in the United States, Europe, and South America.

Top tournaments for this variant include the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) in North America and the European Futsal Championship.

#8 Indoor Cricket

Played indoors, as its name suggests, indoor cricket originated in Germany in the late 1960s before migrating to Australia.

It follows a similar format to traditional cricket, with significant rule variations. The sport is prevalent in cricket-playing nations, and the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF) organizes the Indoor Cricket World Cup every three years.

#9 Ironman Triathlon

Ironman

First held in 1978 in Hawaii, the Ironman Triathlon is considered one of the most grueling races in the world.

Consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.2-mile run, this triathlon, which takes place annually, draws competitors from around the globe.

The Ironman World Championship, held in Kona, Hawaii, is the pinnacle of the sport.

#10 Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing

An extreme winter sport, ice climbing emerged in the late 19th century as climbers began to explore frozen vertical surfaces like waterfalls and glaciers.

Widely practiced in snowy regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia, the sport has become highly popular, with competitions organized by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) such as the Ice Climbing World Cup circuit.

More Sports with I

  1. Irish Dancing: A traditional form of dance with roots in Ireland, involving precise footwork and body movements. Performed as solo or group dances, this cultural art is celebrated globally through events like the World Irish Dance Championships.
  2. Inline Hockey: Similar to ice hockey, inline hockey is played on a hard surface using inline skates. The sport is governed by the International Roller Sports Federation (FIRS) and has gained popularity, particularly in North America and Europe, with tournaments such as the Inline Hockey World Championships.
  3. Ice Fishing: A popular winter pastime in cold climates, ice fishing involves catching fish through an opening in frozen water. Participants use specially designed ice fishing equipment and enjoy tournaments organized worldwide, like the World Ice Fishing Championship.
  4. Indiaca: Also known as Peteca, Indiaca is a traditional Brazilian game played with a specialized shuttlecock. The sport combines elements of volleyball and badminton and is governed by the International Indiaca Federation (IIF), with tournaments like the Indiaca World Championships.
  5. Indoor Rowing: A competitive and recreational sport using indoor rowing machines, as opposed to rowing on water. The sport has international recognition with championship events such as the World Indoor Rowing Championships and the British Indoor Rowing Championships.
  6. Ice Speed Skating: A winter sport where competitors race around an ice track, striving for the fastest time. The sport can be traced back to the 19th century in the Netherlands and has since grown in popularity in Europe, North America, and Asia. Ice speed skating is part of the Winter Olympics and the Speed Skating World Cup.
  7. Inverted Yoga: A modern form of yoga incorporating inversion therapy. By suspending the body in the air using hammocks, practitioners enjoy enhanced flexibility and relaxation. Yoga festivals and classes often offer the opportunity for participants to explore this increasingly popular practice.
  8. In-water Polo: An unusual adaptation of water polo that takes place in a shallow pool. The players are immersed in waist-deep water and must use their upper body strength to pass the ball and score goals. The sport is practiced mostly in a recreational setting.
  9. Indoor Volleyball: Conceived in the United States in the late 19th century, indoor volleyball is played on a hard court with six players per team. The sport has widespread appeal worldwide and enjoys international competitions such as the FIVB World Championships, World Cup, and the Olympic Games.
  10. Indoor Rock Climbing: A simulated climbing experience using artificial walls with grips for hands and feet. This sport has grown in popularity as a safer and more accessible alternative to outdoor rock climbing. Competitions include the IFSC Climbing World Championships.
  11. Indoor Lacrosse: Also known as box lacrosse, this sport is played on a smaller, enclosed field compared to traditional lacrosse. Originating in Canada, it has gained fans in North America and is played in leagues like the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLL).
  12. Icosathlon: A demanding track and field event also known as the double decathlon, comprising 20 disciplines completed over two days. This lesser-known sport has small-scale championships and caters to dedicated athletes desiring an ultra-endurance challenge.
  13. Icelandic Wrestling: Known as Glima, this traditional Icelandic wrestling style dates back to the Viking Age. Practiced mainly in Iceland and among Scandinavian communities, Glima emphasizes balance, technique, and respect and has various regional and national events.
  14. Indian Club: A form of exercise utilizing wooden clubs with a tapered handle. The clubs are swung in different patterns to develop strength, flexibility, and coordination. The sport originated in ancient Persia and is practiced as both a workout and performance art.
  15. International Fronton: A racket sport similar to squash but played without a roof. Originating in Spain and France, the game is played on a court with three concrete walls. The sport enjoys popularity in southern European countries and Latin America.
  16. Indoor Field Hockey: A variation of field hockey played on an indoor court with modified rules. Known as indoor hockey, the sport is popular in Europe, with top tournaments like the Indoor Hockey World Cup, EuroHockey Indoor Championships, and national leagues.
  17. International Shuffleboard: A game involving sliding discs across a marked surface to score points on the opposite side. With origins in 16th-century England, the sport has become popular worldwide, with the International Shuffleboard Association (ISA) organizing world championships and other events.
  18. Indoor Bowls: A modified version of lawn bowls played on a flat, synthetic surface called a bowling carpet. The sport, popular in regions with colder climates, hosts competitions such as the World Indoor Bowls Championships and the British Open Indoor Bowls Championships.
  19. Indoor Bocce: An indoor version of the traditional Italian game Bocce, played on a smaller court with modified rules. This adaptation allows for year-round play in all weather conditions and hosts regional and national tournaments in countries where the sport is played.
  20. Indoor Karting: A racing sport where participants compete on indoor tracks with specially designed go-karts. Popular worldwide as a recreational activity for adults and children alike, the sport also has competitive leagues and championships, such as the Indoor Karting World Championship.
  21. Irish Road Bowling: A traditional Irish sport where competitors hurl a small iron ball called a “bullet” along a designated road course, aiming to cover the distance in the fewest number of throws. Regional and national championships are held throughout Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.
  22. Intercrosse: A non-contact variant of lacrosse, Intercrosse emphasizes speed, coordination, and teamwork. The sport is popular in Canada, the United States, and Europe, with competitions organized by the International Federation of Intercrosse (IFI).
  23. International Tag: A global, non-contact version of the childhood game of tag, featuring two teams competing to touch or catch the opponents. The sport promotes inclusivity, physical activity, and camaraderie, with countries such as the United States and Australia hosting national and international competitions.

FAQ

Which sports start with the letter I?

Some of the sports that start with the letter I include Ice Hockey, Ice Skating, Inline Skating, Indoor Skydiving, Iaido, International Rules Football, Indoor Soccer, Indoor Cricket, Ironman Triathlon, and Ice Climbing.

What is the most popular sport that starts with I?

Ice Hockey is arguably the most popular sport that starts with the letter I. It is a fast-paced, highly competitive team sport played by millions of participants worldwide and has gained significant recognition for its dynamic gameplay, teamwork, and global competitions such as the NHL and the Winter Olympics.

Max is a sports enthusiast who loves all kinds of ball and water sports. He founded & runs stand-up-paddling.org (#1 German Paddleboarding Blog), played competitive Badminton and Mini Golf (competed on national level in Germany), started learning ‘real’ Golf and dabbled in dozens of other sports & activities.

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