Lhasa is buzzing with excitement as the inaugural Farmers and Herdsmen Sports Games kicked off on June 22. With two main categories – competitive sports and traditional ethnic games – athletes are competing in 19 events, from Tibetan tug-of-war and yak racing to Tibetan chess and Tibetan dice. More than 500 athletes from 11 teams are participating in the games, which run until June 26.
Highlighting Xizang's rich cultural heritage, the games include unique traditional sports like "stone lifting" and yak racing. In the stone lifting event, competitors lift a stone onto their shoulders, walk in a circle along a white line, and then throw the stone backwards. Scores are based on the ease of lifting and the walking speed. This event tests the participants' strength and endurance, making it a thrilling spectacle for all.