Hunan team claims first swing championship at ethnic games

The team of central China's Hunan Province swung their way to victory in the 55-kilogram weight class swinging competition at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities on Monday, defeating the long-reigning team of Jilin Province from northeast China.

Far from the common impression of swinging as a leisure activity, competitive swinging involves an element of danger, as athletes strive to outperform each other by swinging up to reach the bells placed on a raised stand with the least amount of attempts.

As a game with a long history, swinging has evolved from a relaxation activity to a challenging sport over centuries. In 1986, swinging was officially admitted into the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China.