Athletes from across China have gathered in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, for the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities, set to take place from November 22 to 30. The event will see approximately 10,000 athletes representing China’s 56 ethnic groups competing in 139 events under 17 sports, alongside three demonstration sports.
The torch relay concluded on November 17, featuring 107 torchbearers from various walks of life. Among them was Tian Shifang, a coach at the Ethnic Sports School of Xiangxi in Hunan Province. “The Games can significantly enhance communication and unity among different ethnic groups,” Tian remarked. “Participating in the torch relay is truly exciting, and I am eagerly anticipating the moment when the main flame is lit during the opening ceremony.”
The National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities, first launched in 1953, is one of China’s oldest national multi-sport events. Unlike traditional sporting competitions, the Games feature events rooted in the traditional customs of China’s ethnic minorities.
One highlight of this year’s Games is the debut of the coconut tree climbing race. Inspired by the daily lives of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in Hainan, the event reflects the historical practice of climbing coconut trees during harvest. Another unique competition is the swing event, exclusive to female athletes from the Korean ethnic group in northeast China, aiming to empower women by encouraging them to broaden their horizons through sport.
Some events, such as equestrian competitions, have already taken place in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China. The Games not only celebrate athletic prowess but also promote cultural heritage and unity among China’s diverse ethnic groups.
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Athletes arrive for National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities
cgtn.com
