Friday marked the opening of China’s 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities in Sanya, Hainan Province, with a unique event capturing the spotlight: the swinging competition.
Towering at an impressive 12 meters, the vibrant swings are accompanied by a parallel bell rack. This structure not only adds to the visual spectacle but also serves as a measuring tool for two main challenges: the height contest and the bell-touching contest. Exclusively for female athletes, competitors are divided into two weight classes: under 55 kilograms and 55 kilograms and above.
Starting from a 1.3-meter-high launch platform, athletes in the height contest aim to reach the greatest height with the fewest swings. In the bell-touching contest, competitors strive to ring the bells as many times as possible within a 10-minute timeframe. Rooted in the traditions of the Korean ethnic group in northeast China, swinging is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Yang Yudan, coach of the Jilin delegation, shared insights into the cultural significance of this sport. “There are many theories about the popularity of the swinging event,” she explained. “One tale suggests that women from noble families, yearning for the outside world, would set up a swing in their courtyards. As they swung higher and higher, they could catch glimpses of the world beyond. Over time, swinging evolved into a recreational activity for women to relax during farming off-seasons, creating a delightful and leisurely sporting experience.”
First launched in 1953, the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities is one of China’s oldest national multi-sport events. This year, approximately 10,000 athletes representing all 56 of China’s ethnic groups have converged on the tropical island of Hainan to compete in 17 sports, encompassing 139 events and three demonstration sports.
Certain events, such as equestrian competitions, have already taken place in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, setting the stage for a celebration of culture, sport, and unity in diversity.
Reference(s):
Ancient swinging gains spotlight at China's National Traditional Games
cgtn.com
