The 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China concluded on Saturday in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and unity of the nation’s diverse ethnic groups.
Over the course of nine vibrant days starting from November 22, nearly 7,000 athletes from 35 delegations across the country gathered to compete in an array of traditional sports. The event featured 18 official sports and more than 160 demonstration events, categorized into competitive, skill-based, and comprehensive activities.
The games showcased popular traditional sports such as stilt racing, single bamboo drifting, board-shoe racing, Yajia (a traditional Tibetan tug-of-war), and swing competitions. Each sport offered a glimpse into the unique customs and traditions of China’s ethnic minorities.
An exciting addition this year was coconut tree climbing, a sport deeply rooted in Hainan’s local ethnic culture, making its debut as an official competition and adding a distinctive local flavor to the games.
Earlier in July, all the equestrian competitions were held in Zhaosu, located in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, known for its strong equestrian heritage.
Since its inception in 1953, the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities have been held nearly every four years, emphasizing mass participation and the preservation of traditional sports activities. The games serve as a platform for promoting cultural exchange, fostering unity, and showcasing the vibrant traditions of China’s various ethnic groups.
As the torch of the 12th games is extinguished, participants and spectators alike carry forward a renewed appreciation for the enduring spirit and cultural wealth of China’s ethnic minorities.
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Traditional sports at the national games of ethnic minorities
cgtn.com
