The intangible cultural heritage Naadam Barigai competition, as part of the 36th Grassland Naadam Festival series, kicked off on Thursday in Xilinhot City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Barigai, often known as "grassland curling," features rules similar to curling. It uses cow Shagai (ankle bones) as equipment, with offensive and defensive play taking place on ice or a special mat, testing teamwork and positioning strategies. Throwing Shagai, on the other hand, involves flicking bone pieces placed on a wooden rail with fingertips, aiming to hit sheep ankle bones of different point values on a target platform to score, competing for players' eyesight, finger strength and accuracy.
A total of 875 contestants from 164 teams across various leagues and cities of Inner Mongolia gathered together, showcasing the unique charm of this traditional intangible cultural heritage through diverse forms such as skill displays, competitive matches and interactive experiences.
The competition adopted a round-robin format. Contestants held their breath and concentrated fully, engaging in a battle of wits and skills on the Barigai game mat.
Every throw was a concentration of thought, and every confrontation embodied unity and friendship. The venue was filled with continuous applause and a joyful, harmonious atmosphere.
"It feels very interesting. This competition not only tests skills and mentality but also emphasizes teamwork. Although we haven't practiced for long, everyone is improving quickly. With each competition, I can see my own progress," said Hasi Gaowa, a contestant.
The event,using the competition as a driving force, has enriched the supply of cultural and tourism products on the grassland, explored an integrated development model of 'intangible cultural heritage + Naadam + sports', created a distinctive cultural tourism IP, and attracted more tourists from both within and outside the region to participate and experience.
The event has also promoted ethnic unity and boosted the coordinated development of local culture, tourism and economy, injecting new cultural vitality into the Grassland Naadam brand of Inner Mongolia.
"Grassland curling" competition kicks off in Inner Mongolia
