Sudanese tribals mark end of harvest season with Nubian wrestling | Watch

Nuba wrestling marked the end of the harvest season in Southern Sudan as tribals were seen engaging in the traditional sport.

Sudanese Wrestlers Union friendly fights in Khartoum (Photo: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Sudanese tribals marked the end of the harvest season with Nubian wrestling – a traditional sport of the Nuba people, who reside in the Nuba mountains, southern Sudan.

Traditionally, the sport was performed by tribes. However, the Sudanese Wrestling Federation wants to get the sport globally recognised.

A video of Nubian wrestling was shared on Twitter.

In Nuba wrestling, opponents aim to slam each other to the ground. Though there are strikes, these are essentially part of the grappling.

Nuba wrestling cannot be termed boxing. Nuba stick fighting essentially mimics the movements of fighting with a spear and shield.

Severe injuries are very rare in this sport.

NUBA WRESTLING TOURNAMENTS

In tribal areas, Nuba wrestling tournaments are associated with planting and harvest festivals.

The purpose of wrestling during these festivals is to build group identity and display the prowess of the group’s young men.

Nuba stick fighting tournaments usually take place after the harvest season.

During wrestling and stick fighting tournaments, feasts, music, dance, and storytelling about former champions are integral to the practice.