Hundreds of local villagers and visitors took part in a traditional ball scrambling festival which commenced in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, on Tuesday.

Held on the fifth and sixth day of every first lunar month in Thuy Linh Village, the festival commemorates Royal Highness Linh Lang, the fourth son of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong (1054-1072), who organised the festival at the beginning of each year as a health training activity for his soldiers.

The 2018 edition of the festival is held in the Thuy Linh communal house yard. It comprises competitions amongst children of the village, aged under 11 years, under 14 years, and local adults.


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Local children under 11 participate in a match.

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Seen below are some photographs of the matches. 

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A referee (right) and Under-11 competitors before a match.

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Seniors of the village get ready to beat a drum to commence the festival.

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Young adult players vie for the ball.

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Young adult players vie for the ball.

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Young competitors fall on the rope barriers as they vie for the ball.

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Villagers and visitors gather around the Thuy Linh communal house yard to watch the matches.

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Under-14 competitors during a match.


VNS