Ulama
Living descendant of the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame — hit a heavy solid-rubber ball only with your hips.
What is Ulama?
Ulama is the modern surviving form of the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame first played around 1600 BCE. Preserved almost exclusively in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, it is one of the world's oldest continuously played sports. Two teams face each other on a long narrow court, striking a heavy solid-rubber ball (up to 4 kg) only with the hip. Points are scored by getting the ball past the opponents' end line. Mexico has recognised ulama as intangible cultural heritage.
Quick facts
Category
Traditional & Cultural Sports
Type
Team sport
Players
4–10
Where played
outdoor
Country of origin
🇲🇽 Mexico
Estimated origin
1600 BCE Mesoamerica — 3,600-year continuous tradition (surviving as Sinaloan ulama)
Olympic
No
Popularity
niche