The transition from a rural, recreational activity to a competitive global sport accelerated in the 20th century. Curling became more organized, and innovations in ice-making technology enabled the creation of indoor rinks, allowing year-round play and international competition.

Curling made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France. Although it was not officially recognized at the time, the event was retroactively awarded Olympic status in 2006 by the International Olympic Committee.

Despite its early Olympic appearance, curling was not consistently featured in the Winter Games. It was again demonstrated in 1932, 1988, and 1992. Finally, in 1998, curling was officially reintroduced as a full medal sport at the Nagano Winter Olympics, with both men's and women's tournaments.

Since then, curling has gained a new level of prestige and popularity. The Olympic Games brought the sport to a global audience, and nations such as Japan, South Korea, and China have emerged as competitive curling nations. The sport's emphasis on tactics, teamwork, and fair play—epitomized by the tradition of the "spirit of curling"—has helped it gain widespread respect and admiration.

Gameplay and Equipment

Modern curling is played on a 45-meter-long ice sheet with four players per team. The objective is to slide heavy granite stones toward a circular target called the "house." Each team alternates turns, delivering eight stones per end (akin to an inning), and scores points based on how many of its stones are closest to the center after all have been thrown.

Two teammates accompany the stone down the ice, using brooms to sweep the ice in front of it. Sweeping reduces friction and helps control the distance and curl of the stone. The skip, or team captain, stands at the far end to direct shots and strategy.

Curling stones today are made from high-quality Ailsa Craig granite, quarried from a small island off the coast of Scotland. They weigh about 19.1 kilograms (42 pounds) and have standardized dimensions to ensure consistent play. shutdown123