Wrestling (Yi wrestling)

Chinese national intangible cultural heritage Name: wrestling (Yi wrestling)

Applicant: Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province

Item No.: 793

Project No.: VI - 21

Time of publication: 2011 (the third batch)

Category: traditional sports, recreation and acrobatics

Region: Yunnan Province

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province

Protection unit: Shilin Yi Autonomous County Cultural Center

Introduction to wrestling (Yi wrestling)

Applicant: Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province

As a traditional sport, wrestling is quite common among all ethnic groups in China, especially the Yi people in Yunnan Province. Among them, the mass base of Yi wrestling in Shilin County and Yuanmou County is the most extensive and popular.

Wrestling of the Yi nationality in Xiaoliangshan township of Yuanmou County is called "Ge" in Yi language, which means strength and technology. It is an old sport loved by young men. It can strengthen the body, inspire the fighting spirit, enhance national unity and social harmony, and bring happiness to everyone. Wrestling shows the brave, strong and indomitable spirit of the Yi people, which is closely related to the concept and customs of martial arts of the Yi people since ancient times.

The Yi (Sani) compatriots in Shilin Yi Autonomous County love wrestling very much. Every Torch Festival and other festive festivals, wrestling competitions are often held in every village. The purpose of wrestling is: first, to pray for good weather and bumper harvest; second, to strengthen unity and increase the festive atmosphere; third, to exercise and cultivate the spirit of courage. Since the 1990s, the people's Government of Shilin County has held wrestling competitions every year. In order to cultivate wrestling talents, Shilin amateur youth sports school and other training points and networks have been established, and a number of talents have been cultivated, which has made important contributions to the sustainable development of wrestling in Yunnan Province.