Hanoi young men take off their shirts and compete fiercely for the 20kg red ball

(Dan Tri) - Dozens of strong young men in the capital, shirtless and wearing loincloths, fiercely compete for a 20kg wooden ball in the Thuy Linh village ball wrestling festival (Hoang Mai, Hanoi ).

The Thuy Linh village wrestling festival (Hoang Mai, Hanoi) takes place during the first 4 days of spring (January 4 to 7) and is a traditional festival to commemorate the merits of Linh Lang - Dai Vuong, demonstrating the martial arts tradition and preserving the local cultural identity.

After 2 days of competition, this afternoon (February 15), the 3rd day of competition has found the final teams. Dozens of young men from Thuy Linh village, through dramatic competition, have participated in the final match in 2 age groups: 12-17 years old and over 18 years old.

A large crowd of spectators and visitors from all over the country stood around the competition area next to Thuy Linh communal house. The wrestling festival of Thuy Linh village dates back to the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong (1054 - 1072). At that time, Prince Linh Lang (the fourth son of King Ly Thanh Tong) often held the wrestling festival for soldiers to enjoy during Tet and also as a way for him to train his soldiers' health.

The square playing field has a hole in the middle to place the ball and 4 holes (also called goals) in the four corners of the field. Each team has 2 players, wearing white pants, bare-chested, tied with belts in 4 colors: red, blue, yellow, purple to distinguish.

According to the traditional ceremony, each tournament will have 12 participating teams, each team has 6-8 members divided into groups. The last 4 winning teams in the qualifying round will participate in the final match.

The large ball is made of jackfruit wood, painted red with many gold patterns. The ball is also divided into 2 categories, at the official age (18 years old and up) compete with a 20kg ball, athletes under 17 years old compete with a 15kg ball.

Shuttlecock is a sport that trains both mind and strength and requires strategy. Teams will find ways to bring the shuttlecock placed in the middle of the field to their team's hole in the corner of the field while being fiercely pursued by members of other teams.

The strong, muscular men fought over the 20kg ball to the cheers of the surrounding audience.

Each time the ball is successfully put into the hole, the team will receive a prize from the organizers. With 3 consecutive points, the team will receive the prize. Outside, many sponsors are willing to pay extra bonuses to make the tournament more attractive.

Strength, agility and flexibility are essential elements for every athlete to overcome the opponent's blocks and bring the ball to their goal.

Tran Hoang Gia Huy (20 years old) scored the decisive point to help the yellow belt team win the championship in the over 18 age group. Huy said he felt very happy and proud to be the factor that brought the team first prize. This is Huy's third year participating so he has a lot of experience in competition.

Before the competition for the over 18 age group, the 12-17 age group also found the champion team after an equally dramatic competition.

Dantri.com.vn

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