There will be something for every sports fan at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which officially open with a glittering ceremony in Hanoi on Thursday.

While traditional Olympic events such as athletics and swimming need no introduction, little-known regional sport specialities will also get a rare chance to shine.

Xiangqi can often be seen being played on the streets across China snd Vietnam
Xiangqi can often be seen being played on the streets across China snd Vietnam AFP / Anthony WALLACE

AFP Sport highlights five unusual sports to watch at the 31st SEA Games:

Physically demanding, this is not for the faint of heart or for those with two left feet as it balances the artistry of dance with the athleticism of sport.

Kurash is an ancient sport thought to date back more than 3,000 years
Kurash is an ancient sport thought to date back more than 3,000 years AFP / PUNIT PARANJPE

Under flashing lights and often to the relentless beat of Latin-American music, couples strut the dance floor in elaborate, sensuous, head-turning moves.

The flamboyantly dressed male-and-female pairs have just 90 seconds to wow a panel of judges who score them on technique, movement, presentation and their charisma as a couple.

Vietnam's Vu Hoang Anh Minh (right) and Nguyen Truong Xuan perform during the dancesport event at the last SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019
Vietnam's Vu Hoang Anh Minh (right) and Nguyen Truong Xuan perform during the dancesport event at the last SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019 AFP / WAKIL KOHSAR

An ancient, simple form of wrestling believed to be more than 3,000 years old -- and apparently popular at some Central Asian festivals and parties -- kurash sees two players aim to throw the other on to their backs.

Unlike many other combat sports, fighters are barred from attacking their opponents' legs, while kicking or choking into submission is frowned upon.

The Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat is thought to have been inspired by a battle between a tiger and a giant hawk
The Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat is thought to have been inspired by a battle between a tiger and a giant hawk AFP / CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN

Many people will only have encountered the martial art by watching movie blockbusters such as John Wick or Indonesian action thriller The Raid.

Supposedly inspired by a battle between a tiger and a giant hawk, the Indonesian combat sport is a full-body fighting style that makes use of strikes, grapples, throwing and weapons such as sickles and machetes.

Competitors are judged on their technique with weapons included and in one-on-one matches, where points are scored for successful strikes and throws while defensive points are awarded for parrying or evading attacks.

Previously making appearances at the 2011 and 2013 Games, the Vietnam combat sport will be the only martial art performed at Thursday's opening ceremony.

Created in the 1930s, borrowing from elements of China's kung fu and other Asian martial arts, fighters make use of grapples with showy flying moves.

Competitors will be marked on acrobatic skill and head-to-head fighting.

Also known as Chinese chess, the game is a popular pastime seen on the streets of Vietnam and much of China.

Making its SEA Games debut, it is more complex than its Western counterpart but the objective is the same, to checkmate your opponent's king.

Xiangqi is played on a board nine lines wide and 10 lines long with pieces placed on the intersections, with players taking turns to move pieces.

Xiangqi matches are expected to be among the quietest of the 40 sports taking place at the Hanoi Games.