Taiwan athlete triumphs in Yajia competition in Sanya

The 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities, held in Sanya in south China's Hainan Province, featured an exciting Yajia competition. Lien Te-an, an athlete representing Taiwan's ethnic minority delegation, emerged victorious in the 85-kilogram weight class, defeating his opponent from Heilongjiang Province.

Known as the "elephant tug-of-war," this unique sport popular in Xizang requires participants to lie down and pull against each other back to back. It originated from the Tibetan belief that the elephant is a sacred messenger from God. Therefore, Tibetans imitate the actions of elephants, which they believe will bring them good luck.

Success in the Yajia goes beyond sheer strength or weight advantage – it demands endurance, strategic energy management, and refined technique, making it a true test of skill and determination.