✓ News to remember
- A D sport is simply a sport whose name begins with the letter D: decathlon, danse sportive, hang-gliding, dodgeball, disc golf, dragon boat and many others.
- Dragon boating is practiced by over 50 million people worldwide, particularly in Asia, and is governed by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
- There are over 200 disc golf courses in France, offering an ecological and accessible alternative to traditional golf.
- Dance sport is recognized by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and burns between 300 and 500 calories per hour.
- These sports offer a variety of benefits: intense cardio for dodgeball, complete muscular strengthening for dragon boating, surpassing oneself for hang-gliding, etc.
What exactly is a D sport?
When we talk about D sports, we're simply referring to all the sports whose names start with that letter! Yes, it's that simple. These sports can be as well-known as decathlon, or more confidential ones like disc golf.
Article summary
ToggleThis search is often linked to board games, quizzes with friends or parties where you want to shine with your general knowledge. But beyond the fun aspect, discovering these sports beginning with D can also give you ideas for moving differently!
From hang-gliding to dodgeball to sport dancing, the variety is truly impressive. Each discipline brings its own sensations and benefits for your body. And I love it! 💪

Why look for D sports?
You may be wondering why so many people are interested in sports in D ? There are several reasons for this craze. The first, of course, is for word games and quizzes! During a game of Scrabble or Petit Bac, having a complete list in your head can really make a difference.
But there's also a very interesting discovery aspect. Getting to know less publicized sports like dragon boating or dirt biking broadens your vision of the sport. You might even find your next passion among these disciplines! By the way, if you like exploring different disciplines, you can also discover other sports by consulting our complete list of A sports which also offer unique experiences.
Looking for sports in D is the perfect opportunity to discover original activities off the beaten track that could transform your sports routine! ✨
Personally, after twelve years in fitness and kickboxing, I've learned that exploring different disciplines really boosts motivation. Even if your goal is to lose weight, varying the pleasures you enjoy helps you to stick with it over time.
What's the full list of D sports?
This is the moment you've been waiting for: the list of sports in D so you can shine in your next challenge! I've rounded up some of the best-known and some lesser-known nuggets for you.
| Sport | Quick description | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Sport dance | Discipline combining technique and artistic expression | Europe, early 20th century |
| Decathlon | Combination of 10 athletic events | Ancient Greece |
| Hang-gliding | Free flight with a soft wing | United States, 1970s |
| Disc golf | Golf with frisbees | United States, 1970s |
| Dodgeball | Collective dodgeball game | United States |
| Dragon boat | Team rowing race | Ancient China |
| Dirt bikes | Acrobatic mountain bike | United States |
| Double dutch | Rope skipping with two ropes | Netherlands |
D sports for quizzes and games
If your goal is to perform well at word games, you'll want to remember these must-haves: sport dancing, decathlon, hang-gliding and dodgeball. These four come up super often in quizzes!
To really impress your opponents, add disc golf, dirt bike and dragon boat to your list. You'll see their faces when you pull out those names! 😄
Lesser-known but just as cool
Beyond the classics, there are some truly original disciplines. Double dutch, for example, is a spectacular skipping sport requiring coordination and endurance.
Disc golf is gaining in popularity in France, with over 200 courses installed. It's a great alternative to traditional golf, more accessible and environmentally friendly. Dragon boating involves teams of 20 rowers, and is played at international competitions!

What are the benefits of D-sports?
Now let's talk about the concrete benefits of practising these sports beginning with D. Depending on your choice, the benefits vary enormously! Dancesport, for example, improves coordination and flexibility, and burns between 300 and 500 calories an hour.
The decathlon represents complete athletic excellence. Decathletes work on endurance, speed, strength and technique. Athletes like Kevin Mayer have proved that it takes extraordinary preparation to excel in all 10 events.
Each D-sport offers specific benefits: intense cardio for dodgeball, complete muscle strengthening for dragon boating, or surpassing yourself for hang gliding! ✅
Dodgeball combines cardio and coordination. Matches last around 40 minutes and involve the whole body. Dragon boating particularly strengthens the upper body with its repeated, synchronized rowing movements.
How to memorize D sports easily?
You want to remember this list without struggling? I've got a few coaching tips for you! The first technique is to group sports by category. Put together air sports (hang gliding), water sports (dragon boating) and land sports (dirt biking).
Create mental associations. For example, associate «D» with «Defying gravity» for hang-gliding, or «Dynamic» for dodgeball. These little connections really do make memorization easier!
- Spaced repetition Review your list every day for a week, then once a week.
- Visualization imagine yourself doing every sport, it anchors the information in your brain
- Mnemonics invent a sentence with the first letters (Dance, Decathlon, Hang Gliding = «Three Different Disciplines»)
- Active practice test yourself regularly with online quizzes or with friends
Which D-sport should you try first?
If you're looking to try out a new sport from this list, I've got you covered! For a gentle start, the sport dance is great. You can find classes in almost any city, and it works your cardio without you even realizing it.
Disc golf is a great option for those who love the great outdoors. The initial investment is minimal: just a few discs and off you go! The courses are often free and accessible to all levels.
For thrill-seekers, hang-gliding offers an unforgettable experience. Beware, however, that you'll need a bigger budget and training under the supervision of the Fédération française de vol libre (French hang-gliding federation).
My coaching opinion on these disciplines
After twelve years of weight-loss coaching, I can tell you that varying your activities makes all the difference! Dodgeball, for example, is a great way to burn calories and have fun at the same time. My clients love this playful approach to sport.
Dragon boating develops team spirit and really sculpts the arms and back. If your aim is to tone your figure, this discipline clearly deserves your attention! 🔥 By the way, if you're looking to further develop your cardiovascular capacities, you might want to check out our rowing machine training program which perfectly complements dragon boat practices.
Where do D-sports come from?
The history of these sports is truly rich! The decathlon has its roots in the ancient Greek Olympic Games, where athletes competed in several events. The modern 10-discipline version dates from the early 20th century.
The dragon boat goes back over 2000 years in China. Originally, it was a ceremony in honor of the poet Qu Yuan. Today, over 50 million people worldwide practice this sport!
Dance sport took shape in Europe in the 1920s. It became a recognized discipline with international championships organized by the World DanceSport Federation. Competitions bring together thousands of dancers every year.
The modern evolution of these disciplines
Hang gliding revolutionized air sports in the 1970s. The American Kilbourne brothers developed the first modern models. Today, thousands of hang-gliders fly all over the world with ultra-perfect equipment.
Dodgeball has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to cinema and American university competitions. Professional leagues now exist, with standardized rules and regular international tournaments. If you're looking to explore other sports with a similar rich history, you can also consult our list of sports beginning with M which also offer interesting ancestral and modern practices.

Frequently asked questions about D-sports
What are the world's most popular D-sports?
Visit decathlon and the dodgeball are among the most popular, with millions of followers. Visit dragon boat has over 50 million followers, particularly in Asia. Visit sport dance also appeals to millions of competitors and enthusiasts, with national federations in over 90 countries.
Are there any international federations for D-sports?
Yes, several disciplines have their own federations. The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) manages dance sport, while the International Decathlon Combined Events Association (IDCEA) supervises the decathlon. Visit dragon boat is supervised by the’International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), which organizes world championships.
What equipment do you need to play disc golf?
A frisbee (150- to 180-gram discs) and shoes are all you need to get started. Routes generally range from 9 to 18 baskets metal. Some players use carrying bags for their discs, with models adapted to different distances and trajectories.
Is hang-gliding considered an extreme sport?
Yes, the hang-gliding is classified as an extreme sport because of the risks involved. Practitioners must undergo training certified by the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL). Visit wings offer greater stability, but weather conditions remain a critical safety factor.
What major competitions exist for D-sports?
Visit decathlon is on the program of the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships. Visit dragon boat organizes World Championships every two years. Visit sport dance has its annual World Championships, while the disc golf offers tournaments such as the PDGA World Championships.





