From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day
Many people struggle with choosing songs for sports day, don’t they?
Here, we introduce perfect tracks for each scene—from classic staples ideal for sports day to upbeat J-pop and Western hits that get everyone excited!
Well-known songs can hype up the crowd, but using the same ones every year can get old…
We’ve curated a selection of tracks to solve that problem.
You’ll find refreshing tunes that make you want to start running and motivational anthems that give you courage.
Use this article as a guide to make your sports day even more fun and exciting!
- Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals
- [Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- [Sports Day] Recommended songs for tug-of-war: powerful BGM that ignites your fighting spirit
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
- [March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day
- Recommended Songs for Group Gymnastics: A Collection of Tracks to Elevate Your Routine [2026]
- [Sports Day BGM] A selection of classic tunes that liven up the venue
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- [Dance Songs] Recommended for school sports days and athletic festivals! A curated selection of popular tracks that are fun to dance to
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
Tama-ire / Dancing Tama-ire (11–20)
In a Persian marketAlbert William Ketèlbey

This piece features music and scene painting rich with exotic flair.
From the caravan’s arrival and a beggar’s plea to the entrance of a beautiful princess and the call to prayer, it unfolds like a grand orchestral story.
The bustling marketplace, depicted through exotic melodies and rhythms, and the princess’s elegant theme carried by clarinet and cello, brim with musicality that sparks the listener’s imagination.
Composed by Albert William Ketèlbey and released in 1920, it became a major hit, selling over one million copies of sheet music by the end of the 1920s.
In actual school sports festivals, it has been used for opening ceremonies and entrance marches, and is loved for lifting participants’ spirits.
Its brilliant, energetic atmosphere makes it a recommended choice for anyone looking to enliven a sporting event.
Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” Fourth MovementAntonín Leopold Dvořák

A celebrated piece, noted for its powerful string sonorities and passionate fanfares, was premiered by Antonín Dvořák at Carnegie Hall in New York in December 1893.
With its majestic sound and exhilarating momentum that makes you want to move, this work was composed during his stay in America and was inspired by Native American music.
It has been recorded by many renowned conductors and orchestras, and was even used in Japanese commercials in the 1970s.
Popular as background music for school sports-day cheer battles and footraces, its thrilling performances ignite the entire venue.
Frequently used for ceremonies and graduations—bright, festive occasions—it’s perfect for creating memorable moments.
Symphony No. 5 “Revolution,” Fourth MovementDmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich

A masterpiece that combines power and grandeur, this work dynamically conveys the appeal of Dmitri Shostakovich’s symphony.
The orchestra’s commanding performance instantly elevates the atmosphere of a gymnasium, creating excitement befitting a tense competition.
At its premiere in Leningrad in November 1937, Yevgeny Mravinsky and the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra achieved great success with their performance.
Featuring march-like phrases and a forceful rhythm, this piece is an ideal BGM to lift the spirits of all participants and lead them onto a grand stage.
Used for the main events of a sports day or for entrances and exits, it will foster a strong sense of unity throughout the venue.
Kaikai KitanEVE

A work by Eve that stands out for its exhilarating sound and vocals that feel like an incantation.
Centered on themes of facing oneself and the strength to overcome darkness, the song powerfully portrays the inner struggles of being human.
It opens with a heavy guitar riff and deftly depicts dark, complex emotions.
Its melodic chorus grips the listener and won’t let go.
Released in October 2020 and used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, this track gives you strength when you want to steel yourself for an important match or competition, and when you want to ignite your fighting spirit together with your teammates.
Tug-of-war (11–20)
Tug-of-war is one of the most heated strength competitions at a sports festival.
Powerful, cool music is the perfect BGM! From here, I’ll introduce songs that are perfect for tug-of-war and will get your energy pumping.
I’ll include not only J-pop, but also Vocaloid tracks and trending Western hits, so pick the ones that suit your taste.
Reference article: [Sports Day] Recommended songs for tug-of-war: powerful BGM that ignites your fighting spirit
Tug of War (1–10)
InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s “Inferno,” which is popular among elementary and middle school students, is also the theme song for the anime Fire Force.
The lyrics have a grand, immersive worldview that really draws you in.
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE often has a fresh, breezy image, but this track has a slightly darker tone and a driving pace, making it a great BGM choice for tug-of-war.
GOATNumber_i

Number_i’s track delivers a confident message with a powerful, all-rap sound.
Its lyrics, filled with fiery passion and strong self-affirmation, give listeners the courage and energy to take on challenges.
The music video, released in January 2024, surpassed 10 million views in just three days, setting a record as the fastest for a debut song by a male artist in Japan.
With its grand beat and compelling message, this song is perfect as BGM to fire up athletes aiming for victory in a tug-of-war at a school sports day! The high-tempo rhythm will quicken heartbeats and draw out the team’s unity.
flash[Alexandros]
![flash[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xfG6L9I7N8I/sddefault.jpg)
Centered on powerful guitar riffs and an exhilarating rock sound, [Alexandros]’s theme song paints an epic story.
Released in May 2021, the track brilliantly captures the world of the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway.
Its lyrics—laden with deep messages about hope for the future born from past pain and dialogues with one’s inner voice—are a perfect fit for scenes like a tug-of-war at a sports day, where fighting spirit burns.
The driving sound and empowering message will strengthen team unity and serve as a reliable ally when aiming for victory.



