HAIKOU, December 2. /TASS/. The city of Sanya in South China's Hainan Province has successfully hosted the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People's Republic of China, which was held on November 22-30. According to the Hainan International Communication Network (HICN), nearly 7,000 athletes participated in the games, competing in 18 sports.
"Athletes from 35 delegations competed in the same arena, demonstrating not only their strength and skill, but also their deep emotional and spiritual connection," said Gao Zhidan, director of the State General Administration of Sports of China, at the closing ceremony, who also thanked the athletes, staff, volunteers and media who contributed to the games.
It was also announced at the ceremony that the next 13th edition of the Games will be held in the central Province of Hunan in 2027. The official Games flag was handed over to Li Jianzhong, Vice Governor of Hunan Province.
This year's competition of athletes representing 56 ethnic groups living in the People's Republic of China opened on November 22 with a big ceremony and spectacular show.Representatives from each ethnic group performed 30-second routines, and the opening ceremony itself lasted about two hours. The stage was decorated with scenes depicting the color and features of Hainan Island: beaches, tropical islands, coconut trees, and many other elements that were presented to the audience, including the use of unusual design solutions and digital technology. The colorful show was watched by about 35 thousand spectators.
Such competitions were first held in 1953. About 400 athletes from 13 ethnic groups participated. The competition was held in the city of Tianjin. The second games were held 29 years later in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.