THỪA THIÊN – HUẾ — Thousands of people attended a traditional wrestling event in Thủ Lễ Village, Quảng Phước Commune, Quảng Điền District, in the central province of Thừa Thiên - Huế.

Thủ Lễ Communal House dates back to the Nguyễn Lord era, and has been recognised as a national relic site. Photo tienphong.vn

A worship ceremony was held at the village’s communal house hosted by local elders.

The communal house also hosted the wrestling event.

This year’s event gathered 100 male and female wrestlers. Veteran wrestlers and professionals opened the event, who were followed by junior wrestlers and amateurs.

The annual event aims to honour the spirit of martial arts and allows anyone in good health to take part. 

The annual event aims to honour the spirit of martial arts.

The event is divided into rounds. Wrestlers need to pass the qualifying round to reach the semi-final and final round.

According to local elders, Thủ lễ wrestling festival started under the Nguyễn Lord era (from the 16th century to 1777) in order to recruit strong young men for the royal army.

In the past, the event was only for locals, but now wrestlers from other localities can join in. The event has been a non-replaceable culture-sport activity in Tết and spring in Tam Giang lagoon.

The event also aims to wish for a peaceful nation and prosperous people as well as solidarity among locals.

The event has also helped select wrestlers for national and international sport events.

Thủ Lễ Communal House dates back to the Nguyễn Lord era and has been recognised as a national-level architecture relic site. VNS