Discover the Traditional Ball Wrestling Festival of Thuy Linh Village in Hanoi: A Display of Strength and Heritage

Every year, during the vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations, Thuy Linh village in Linh Nam ward, Hoang Mai district, Hanoi, comes alive with the exhilarating sounds of the traditional Thuy Linh Ball Wrestling Festival (Lễ hội vật cầu Thúy Lĩnh). Held from the 4th to the 6th day of the first lunar month, this unique festival is not just a sport but a magnificent display of strength, agility, and deep-rooted cultural heritage.

The history of the ball wrestling festival dates back to the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong (1054–1072). Prince Linh Lang, the king's fourth son, originally designed this game to train his soldiers, helping them build physical endurance, sharp reflexes, and strategic thinking. Today, the local youth continue this legacy, keeping the martial spirit of their ancestors alive.

The game is played on a square field. At the center lies a hole where the heavy wooden ball is placed, while four goals (hố) are positioned at the four corners. Each team consists of strong, bare-chested young men wearing white trousers and colored sashes—red, blue, yellow, or purple—to distinguish their teams. The objective is to wrestle the ball away from opponents and successfully deposit it into one's own corner goal. This requires incredible teamwork, physical stamina, and tactical coordination.

According to the traditional rules, a match consists of two 20-minute halves. Getting the ball into the goal earns a team a minor prize ("giai con"). The first team to secure three minor prizes wins the major prize ("giai cai"), ending the match. Every time a point is scored, the players perform a traditional ritual bow to the village guardian deity (Thanh hoang lang) to show respect and gratitude.

This year's tournament featured intense competition among 12 teams. Among the standout athletes was 20-year-old Tran Hoang Gia Huy, who already boasts three years of competitive experience. To prepare for the grueling matches, Huy and his teammates trained intensely for weeks, practicing uphill running and carrying 20kg weights. Their smart defensive strategy and quick counter-attacks ultimately secured them the prestigious first-place trophy.

The Thuy Linh Ball Wrestling Festival remains a vital cultural pillar in Hanoi, showcasing the community's dedication to preserving historical customs while fostering a strong sense of local pride and unity.

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