🎉 Imagine a festival where ancient traditions meet the thrill of competition! That's exactly what happened at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China, which just wrapped up in sunny Sanya, south China's Hainan Province.
Over nine incredible days starting from November 22, nearly 7,000 athletes from 35 different delegations across China came together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. They weren't just competing—they were showcasing the soul of their communities through 18 sports and over 160 demonstration events! 🏹💃
The games are like China's own version of a cultural Olympics, held nearly every four years since 1953. This isn't just about winning medals; it's about mass participation and keeping ancient traditions alive and kicking. From competitive events to skill-based challenges, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget the equestrian competitions, which took place back in July in Zhaosu, in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 🐎
Some crowd favorites? Stilt racing that would make any circus performer jealous, single bamboo drifting where athletes balance on bamboo poles over water (talk about ninja skills!), and the exhilarating Yajia, a traditional Xizang sport also known as Tibetan tug-of-war. The swing competitions had everyone soaring, and the board-shoe racing was a hilarious team effort that required some serious coordination. 😄
This year's star newcomer was coconut tree climbing! 🥥🌴 A sport deeply rooted in Hainan's ethnic minority culture, it made its official debut and added that extra tropical vibe to the games. Athletes shimmied up towering coconut trees at lightning speeds—it was like watching real-life Spider-Men in action!
These games are more than just sports; they're a vibrant tapestry of China's diverse ethnic cultures. They remind us that embracing our roots can be as exciting as any modern-day adventure. Can't wait for the next one! 🚀
Reference(s):
Traditional sports at the national games of ethnic minorities
cgtn.com
