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.