The Department of Education and Sports in Xaysomboun Province on Saturday organized the opening ceremony of this year’s Hmong games which saw participants competing in bullfighting, spinning top game, or Tuj Lub and Hmong archery.
Mr. Yongyee Liyiavue, Head of the Provincial Department of Education and Sports, said that bullfighting, spinning top game and archery are ancient Hmong sports that have been passed down through generations.
Forty-seven bulls were part of the bullfighting competition, while sixteen teams competed in the spinning top game and eight teams competed in Hmong archery.
The first bullfighting champion received a trophy with LAK 3,000,000 (USD 172) in cash, the second place earned LAK 2,500,000 (USD 143), and the third place was awarded LAK 2,000,000 (USD 114).
All bullfighting participants, regardless of whether they won or lost, received a prize of LAK 400,000 (USD 22).
For the spinning top game, the first prize was a trophy containing LAK 2,000,000 (USD 114), the second prize LAK 1,500,000 (USD 86), and the third prize LAK 1,000,000 (USD 57) in cash.
The winner of the Hmong archery sport was awarded LAK 2,000,000 (USD 114), the runner-up was awarded LAK 1,500,000 (USD 86), and third place was awarded LAK 1,000,000 (USD 57).
Mr. Yongyee stated that the purpose of the celebration was to promote tourism in the province of Xaysomboun, while ensuring peace and safety in the region.
