Grappling: One of the fierce games. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

THUA THIEN - HUE (VNS)— Drum beats announced the start of a traditional wrestling festival in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue's Sinh Village, where thousands of people gathered yesterday to watch the games.

The festival is held annually on the tenth day of the Lunar New Year to remind the nation's youth about the importance of training to remain fit. The games offer local residents a good dish of entertainment for the holiday, as well.

The excitement of the event lured many people to the square stage on a spacious land plot in the village, which is about 7km from the former royal city of Hue, for the early morning games.

Thirty amateur wrestlers competed at different games, with matches for teenagers and adults. While teenage players had to defeat one opponent to compete in the semi-final round, an adult wrestler had to defeat three others to reach the final match.

Following the traditional rules, a wrestler wins when he forces his opponent onto the sandy stage. However, he is not allowed to injure his opponent.

The matches are meant to teach the youth about fair play and respecting others, which is a tradition of the festival, an elder said. — VNS