The 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China concluded on Saturday in Sanya, Hainan Province, leaving a vibrant mark on the nation’s cultural landscape. The nine-day event, which kicked off on November 22, brought together nearly 7,000 athletes from 35 delegations across the country.
Participants competed in 18 sports and showcased over 160 demonstration events, categorized into competitive, skill-based, and comprehensive activities. From thrilling stilt racing to the graceful single bamboo drifting, the games were a vivid display of China’s rich tapestry of ethnic traditions.
One of the highlights was the debut of coconut tree climbing as an official competition. Rooted in Hainan’s ethnic minority culture, this unique sport added a local flavor and captured the imagination of spectators.
Other popular events included board-shoe racing, Yajia—a traditional Tibetan tug-of-war—and swing competitions, all reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of China’s ethnic groups. The equestrian competitions, held earlier in July in Zhaosu, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, also drew significant attention.
Since its inception in 1953, the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities has been held nearly every four years, emphasizing mass participation and the preservation of traditional sports. This year’s edition continued the legacy, fostering unity and celebrating the diverse traditions that make up China’s multicultural society.
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Traditional sports at the national games of ethnic minorities
cgtn.com
