The ancients practiced various types of ball games with balls, such as the Chinese game kung fu, and the Aztecs’ kemari. Some of these games were ritual performances or contests, while others were simply for recreation. In ancient Greece, ball games were even recommended by a physician named Galen. In the 2nd century ce, the Greek physician Galen also recommended playing ball games for good health. However, in modern times, ball games have become an accepted form of entertainment.
Sport is often categorized by its form, based on its rules. It can include anything from golf to cheerleading, to dancing and fishing. Sports have become immensely popular because of their competitive nature. They often require structured competitions and physical exertion to participate. Sports also include motorsports, which require skill and endurance. There are many different types of sports, and not all of them are equally popular or enjoyable. The most popular forms of sport are competitive, spectator, team, and leisure activities.
The rise of modern sports was marked by changes in social and spatial identities. Women and Aboriginal people were allowed to participate in some sports during the 20th century, and in 1968, Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia played the Olympic water-polo and ice hockey games, respectively. The defeat of the Soviet Union was considered a vindication of their national identity. The concept of record-keeping was then introduced to the world of sports. However, the era of rationalism did not end there.