[Blazing] Carefully selected tracks perfect as BGM for cavalry battles at sports festivals!
Kibasen (cavalry battle), where teams of three to five form a “horse,” and the rider tries to snatch a hat or sash from riders on other “horses.” It’s a classic sports day event that gets not only the participants but also the spectators fired up, with battles as heated as those of samurai in the Warring States period! In this article, we introduce songs that are perfect for kibasen.
Drawing on the horseback theme, we’ve picked tracks from various genres—from theme songs of historical dramas depicting the lives of samurai, to sports day staples, to J-pop that fills you with energy just by listening.
Use this as a reference!
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[Red Hot] Carefully Selected Songs Perfect for Sports Day Cavalry Battles (31–40)
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

A powerful track crafted by Kenshi Yonezu as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” Through the imagery of bow and arrow, it symbolically portrays challenge and growth in sports, as well as the strong bond between coach and student.
Released as a digital single on January 27, 2025, it premiered on the opening day of the nationwide tour “Kenshi Yonezu 2025 TOUR / JUNK,” where it garnered a huge response.
Listening to it before a tug-of-war will sharpen your focus and help you achieve the best results together with your teammates.
Rocky Themebirukonti

A sports anthem that resonates with a powerful brass section and full orchestral sound, portraying humanity’s boundless potential and passion.
Known as a quintessential masterpiece at the intersection of film and music, it stages a grand narrative themed around hard work, growth, and a leap toward one’s dreams.
Composed by Bill Conti for the film Rocky, released in February 1977, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of the same year and ranked 58th on AFI’s 100 Years of Film Scores.
Beyond exit scenes, it’s a highly effective track for moments when you want to encourage people who are giving their all—such as school events, sports day practice, and lineup formations.
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.
I am the strongest.Ado

A powerful anthem of will and resolve from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED.
Released by Ado in June 2022, the song is notable for lyrics brimming with self-affirmation that wells up from deep within and heartfelt care for one’s companions.
The energetic, exhilarating rock sound crafted by Motoki Omori of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and Ado’s distinctive vocals truly shine.
The song expresses the feelings of the film’s character Uta, depicting the process of acknowledging one’s own weaknesses and anxieties while overcoming them to grow stronger.
It’s a perfect track for rallying yourself at a sports day or athletic festival, or when you want to strive together with your teammates.
Sword DanceAram Khachaturian

With its dynamic and powerful melody, this piece is a perfect fit for cavalry-style matches at school sports festivals.
The offbeat rhythms and playful brass parts further heighten the intense, heated atmosphere of the bout.
It became a major hit in the United States in 1948, inspiring many cover versions by various artists.
Although it was originally composed as ballet music, its dramatic musicality makes it ideal for expressing the tension and excitement of competition.
Play it as background music for a cavalry match, and both participants and spectators are sure to get fired up!
[Intense] Carefully Selected Songs Perfect for Sports Day Cavalry Battle BGM! (41–50)
“Star Wars” Main ThemeJohn Williams

This grand piece by John Williams is perfect for energizing a cavalry-battle event.
It begins with a powerful brass fanfare and unfolds into a bold, expansive melody.
The music stirs courage and a spirit of adventure, as if samurai from the Warring States period were heading into battle.
Released in 1977 as the main theme of the film Star Wars, the piece has continued to be used throughout the series and has become a classic that remains in many people’s hearts.
If you play this during the cavalry battle at a school sports day, everyone is sure to feel like a hero on the field!
So WhatP!nk

A powerful anthem from American songstress Pink about overcoming heartbreak.
The lyrics brim with assertiveness and humor, as she boldly declares, “I’m still a rock star.” Released in August 2008, the song appears on Pink’s fifth album, Funhouse.
It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global hit.
Its energetic sound and uplifting message make it perfect for high-intensity competitions like a cavalry-style team battle.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to regain confidence or push through challenges.
Play it at a school sports day, and it’s sure to boost participants’ morale!



