12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities Open in Sanya

Sanya, The Gulf Observer: The 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People’s Republic of China commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony on Friday night in Sanya, Hainan province. This unique event goes beyond competition, serving as a vibrant platform for fostering unity and understanding among China’s diverse ethnic groups.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, officially announced the opening of the games.

The ceremony showcased the rich cultures of China’s 56 ethnic groups, symbolizing their equal contribution to the community of the Chinese nation.

A Celebration of Heritage and Sport

The games, running until November 30, have drawn approximately 10,000 athletes from 29 delegations across China. Participants will compete in 149 events across 18 sports and engage in 170 exhibition events. A special cultural highlight will be a grand party on Tuesday, where participants will present their unique traditions and cultural heritages.

Tian Shifang, a coach from the Ethnic Sports School of Xiangxi, Hunan province, emphasized the event’s role in enhancing communication and unity among ethnic groups. He lauded the games’ contribution to preserving and revitalizing endangered ethnic sports through modernized rules and regular organization.

Ding Xisong, deputy head of the Beijing delegation, noted that the games prioritize cultural exchange over competition. “The charm of the games is bringing people from different ethnic groups together and fostering mutual understanding during the competitions,” Ding remarked.

Unique Sports and Cultural Highlights

Since its inception in 1953, the games have evolved significantly, growing from fewer than 400 athletes representing 13 ethnic groups to a large-scale event celebrating diverse traditions.

This year introduces the coconut tree climbing race, inspired by the agricultural practices of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in Hainan. Another highlight is the swing competition, exclusive to female athletes, originating from the Korean ethnic group in northeast China. This event seeks to empower women and inspire broader horizons through sport.

As one of China’s oldest multisport events, the National Traditional Games continue to highlight the richness of ethnic cultures, preserving traditions while fostering unity and mutual respect among the Chinese nation.