THUA THIEN - HUE (VNS) — Hundreds of people flocked to the 200-year-old Thu Le Village in Thua Thien Hue Province yesterday to enjoy a traditional wrestling competition. The competition is held annually on the sixth day of Lunar New Year for wrestlers from the province's Quang Dien District.

Village elders said the event aimed to emphasise the importance of training and hard work. Wrestlers compete with respect for each other, and no vicious behaviour is allowed.

A ring is set up in the yard of the village's communal house. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

Fighters are only allowed to grapple and topple their rivals. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

In addition to strength, fighters must be tactical. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

Hundreds of people cheer on the fighters.— VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

Picking up a competitor does not mean a win. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

They must make their competitors ‘dirty on the back' or ‘white on the stomach'. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

The beat of a drum drives the atmosphere. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

The wrestler with the red belt has succeeded in making his rival ‘dirty on the back'. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

The referee watches closely to decide the winner of each game. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu