A recent incident at the opening match of the Hai Luu Buffalo Fighting Festival in Song Lo District, Vinh Phuc, led to speculation that Buffalo No. 17 was electrocuted to death in the arena. However, festival organizers have denied these claims, providing a detailed account of what really happened.

Denial of electrocution rumors

The Hai Luu Buffalo Fighting Festival in Song Lo District, Vinh Phuc, is one of Vietnam’s oldest folk festivals, preserved in its traditional form to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of both locals and visitors.

Recently, social media posts claimed that Buffalo No. 17 had been electrocuted to death in the middle of the arena in front of tens of thousands of spectators.

According to these rumors, Buffalo No. 17 lost to Buffalo No. 06 after a fierce battle. Immediately after the match, Buffalo No. 17 allegedly became uncontrollable and panicked.

On the afternoon of February 16, Dao Tien Trung, Chairman of the Hai Luu Commune People’s Committee and Head of the 2025 Hai Luu Buffalo Fighting Festival Organizing Committee, officially addressed the incident.

He confirmed that the match between Buffalo No. 17 and Buffalo No. 06 was the festival’s opening fight. However, he refuted claims that it was an intense battle, as suggested by online sources.

According to Trung, Buffalo No. 17 became disoriented upon entering the arena due to the loud sounds of horns, drums, and the presence of a large crowd.

The buffalo mostly ran around the field, showing only brief moments of opposition toward Buffalo No. 06, with nearly no real combat. As a result, Buffalo No. 06 was declared the winner.

Efforts to restrain the buffalo

Trung explained that due to the difficulty in controlling Buffalo No. 17, the organizing committee allowed it to run freely around the arena until it tired itself out. Only then did the organizers proceed to restrain the animal by tying its legs and using an excavator to transport it out of the fighting area.

Trung firmly stated, "There was absolutely no electrocution of Buffalo No. 17, as claimed on social media. The organizing committee only restrained the buffalo, tied its legs, and moved it out with an excavator."

According to publicly available information from the festival organizers, Buffalo No. 17 belonged to Ha Van Thu from Dan Chu village. This buffalo, known as "Ong Cau" No. 17, was 11 years old.

The 2025 Hai Luu Buffalo Fighting Festival attracted approximately 50,000 spectators, who came to cheer for the competing "Ong Cau." This year’s festival featured 10 pairs of buffalos, representing different villages, wards, and community organizations within the commune, competing in a knockout-style tournament. By the festival’s conclusion, "Ong Cau" No. 20 emerged as the champion.

Duc Hoang