The Mai Dong Village Wrestling Festival in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, is not just for professional wrestlers -locals and visitors can also join in if they wish.

On the afternoon of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the traditional Mai Dong Wrestling Festival officially kicked off, drawing hundreds of spectators.

The wrestling arena is set up in the courtyard of Mai Dong communal house, allowing both locals and visitors to participate.

Competitors are matched based on height, weight, and age and compete in different categories: youth, intermediate, third place, second place, and champion.

In one match, two 13-year-old wrestlers showcased their skills. According to the festival’s rules, winners in the youth category receive a reward of 200,000 VND, while the losing competitors still receive a “lucky money” gift of 100,000 VND to bring good fortune for the new year.

Since the festival is meant to celebrate the new year with blessings and good health, many spectators also give extra lucky money to wrestlers if they find the match entertaining.

To secure victory in the youth category, a wrestler must win two consecutive rounds using the traditional "back-to-the-ground" technique. In one instance, a young wrestler in red shorts was pinned down by his opponent, conceding defeat.

Most young men registered for the intermediate category, competing on the afternoon of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. In this category, wrestlers must win two absolute victories to claim a prize of 700,000 VND.

A highlight of the festival was the participation of national wrestling team member Dao Hong Son, who showcased impressive agility. Wearing black shorts, he swiftly dodged his opponent’s moves.

Even when his rival attempted to push him out of the ring, Son skillfully maneuvered his way back in, earning roaring cheers from the crowd.

“I have participated in this wrestling festival for many years, hoping to bring good luck and good health in the new year. This is one of the long-standing traditional festivals that has preserved its original rules and gameplay. It is truly a beautiful cultural tradition,” said wrestler Dao Hong Son.

The matches were intense and fiery, but they also featured humorous moments that had the audience laughing and cheering nonstop.

Before the matches, medical personnel carefully checked the wrestlers' fingernails to prevent injuries during the bouts.

The Mai Dong Wrestling Festival attracts both professional and amateur wrestlers from across Vietnam and internationally. This year, the festival hosts between 40 and 50 matches, ensuring fairness and an enjoyable experience for all.

The event continues on the fifth and sixth days of the Lunar New Year, running from morning to evening and welcoming both participants and spectators.

This traditional festival honors the heroic deeds of General Nguyen Tam Trinh, a renowned commander under the reign of the Trung Sisters.

The Mai Dong Wrestling Festival originated during the early years of the Common Era when General Nguyen Tam Trinh settled in Mai Village (now Mai Dong) to build a livelihood.

As a distinguished general, he made significant contributions to the Trung Sisters' uprising. He also taught literacy and passed down the craft of making tofu to the local people. Today, he is revered as the guardian deity of Mai Dong, the precursor to the modern Mai Dong Ward.

Thach Thao