Sport

Early Spring, watching village girls compete in the wrestling ring

Gia Huy • February 3, 2025 19:23

Every New Year, in Nghia Thai commune, Nam Dan district, a traditional wrestling tournament takes place within the framework of the Spring Festival. Interestingly, the wrestling arena is not only for men to compete but also a place for women to test their strength in the spirit of "having fun is the main thing".

img_5994(1).jpg — The wrestling festival lasted from the 3rd to the 9th of the Lunar New Year at the stadium of Nghia Thai commune (Nam Dan district) attracting a large number of people in the area and neighboring communes to watch and register to try their hand. This is a traditional tournament that has been maintained and developed by Nghia Thai commune for over 20 years. Photo: Gia Huy

2(1).jpg — The unique feature of the wrestling tournament in Nghia Thai commune compared to other localities is the participation of women. Regardless of age, weight, and dress code, anyone who feels they can compete can compete in the wrestling arena without having to register in advance. The wrestling tournament takes place in a joyful, safe atmosphere, with security and order guaranteed. Photo: Gia Huy

dfdc549ea5731a2d4362(1).jpg — The women's matches are not as tense, exciting, or powerful as in the men's wrestling arena, but they are no less special, demonstrating the flexibility, suppleness, and resilience of women. Photo: Gia Huy

Clip of women competing in the wrestling ring in early Spring. Clip Gia Huy

img_6185(1).jpg — Just knock your opponent down in the "back-to-belly" position (back touching the ground, stomach facing the sky) to win. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6083(1).jpg — Even though they did not know each other, the wrestlers still competed enthusiastically, not focusing on winning or losing but mainly on the spirit of having fun. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6013(1).jpg — The prizes the organizers prepared for the winners were T-shirts and scarves. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6084(1).jpg — Many women from other localities came to watch the wrestling, but with the strong encouragement of the audience, they boldly registered to enter the wrestling ring to try their hand at the fun. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6128(1).jpg — Ms. Nguyen Thi Phu, born in 1989 (left) in Dinh Long 1 hamlet, Nam Hung commune, registered to participate for the first time at Nghia Thai wrestling arena but proved to be a strong opponent. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6131(1).jpg — With her flexibility and good physical condition, amateur wrestler Nguyen Thi Phu, who was fighting for the first time, quickly defeated her opponent. Photo: Gia Huy

12(1).jpg — Female wrestler Nguyen Thi Phu excitedly shows off the award shirt for winning 3 consecutive matches. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6139(1).jpg — Many spectators on the field shook hands to congratulate and happily gave lucky money to the winner. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6148(1).jpg — According to referee Nguyen Duy Bao (Nghia Thai commune): The women's wrestling ring demonstrates the spirit of gender equality, bringing joy and laughter to everyone, while contributing to preserving and promoting the nation's traditional sport. Besides the new faces, there are also some familiar faces with the annual traditional wrestling tournaments of Nghia Thai commune, typically female wrestler Dinh Thi Uyen (white shirt). Photo: Gia Huy

a8b2e2cd8720387e6131(1).jpg — Although she just gave birth 3 months ago, with her passion for traditional sports and the support of her husband, wrestler Dinh Thi Uyen (white shirt) still registered to enter the arena. Photo: Gia Huy

Mặc dù mới sinh con 3 tháng nhưng với tinh thần đam mê môn thể thao truyền thống đô vật Đinh Thị Uyên ( áo trắng) vẫn đăng ký vào sới và bằng kinh nghiệm của mình, chị đã lần lượt quật ngã nhiều đối thủ mạnh để giành chiến thắng. Ảnh: Gia Huy — With experience from participating in many tournaments, wrestler Dinh Thi Uyen has defeated many strong opponents to win. Photo: Gia Huy

img_6193(1).jpg — The referee team awarded prizes to encourage the winner. Photo: Gia Huy

1(1).jpg — According to Ms. Tran Thi Tham - Cultural Officer of Nghia Thai Commune, Nam Dan District: "The wrestling ring for women in Nghia Thai Commune not only attracts a large number of local people to watch and cheer, but also attracts many women from other communes in Nam Dan District such as Van Dien, Nam Anh, Nam Thanh... to compete". In addition to promoting the spirit of martial arts, through the Spring wrestling tournament, the locality also selects "seeds" to nurture and send to participate in the wrestling tournament within the framework of the Mai Hac De King Festival which takes place on the full moon day of the first lunar month every year. Photo: Gia Huy

Gia Huy