Section 2 The History of Development of Ethnic Spo...
Traditional ethnic sports in Yunnan are not only deeply rooted in Chinese sports culture as an integral part and have formed a mature spiritual characteristic, but also constantly change the specific structural style in the historical advancement.
Prior to the liberation ofYunnan, all ethnic groups were discriminated and bullied, the ethnic culture was greatly suppressed and their sports were even less developed due to their backward mode of production, low productivity, low level of social civilization and little communication and contact with the outside world. After 1949, the ethnic economy has developed rapidly thanks to the Communist Party of China’s policy for enriching people,which has laid a solid foundation for promoting the modernization and socialization of traditional ethnic sports. Traditional ethic sports are indispensable in their ancient religious rituals, good harvests, weddings and funerals, as well as various festivals. A wide variety of ethnic sports came into being and enlightened their life, whose significance is more obviously seen than other cultural forms such as songs and dances. The wisdom of the ethnic groups is embodied in such sports that have existed until now as Wrestling of the Mongolians, Whipping Tops of the Hani, Playing Swings of the Bai, Playing Wooden Balls of the Hui, Jumping Bamboo pole of the Dai, Playing Poles of the Lisu, Catching Biaoshu of the Lahu and Slaughter-Bull Dance for Sacrifices of the Wa. This is the most representative cultural characteristic in the cultural system of the ethnic groups, which prominently represents their ethnic features, psychology and consciousness.
Ethnic sports games at all levels and in various forms have sprung up since the public in China was encouraged to do more physical exercise to build up their strength. The National Games for all ethnicities are held every four years. And its scale constantly becomes larger and content becomes richer. Ethnic sports have a large number of competition rules, the standardization of which has set a good prelude for the spread and exchange of ethnic sports. In May 1955, the First Traditional Ethnic Sports Games was held by the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yunnan Sports Commission and People’s Government of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture during the Festival of March Street by the Bai. Horse racing,Equestrianism and traditional ethnic sports were performed at the Games. Besides, athletes from western Yunnan, students from provincial sports training classes, as well as actors from the provincial art troupe and acrobatic troupe went to Dali for performance. This was the first traditional ethnic sports games held in Yunnan Province after the founding of P.R.C., which plays a positive role in reflecting ethnic equality, strengthening national unity, inspiring national spirit and promoting sports activities among the public in ethnic areas. In 1956, the Provincial Youth Literature Art and Sports Conference in Kunming ushered in a new era ofYunnan ethnic sports activities.These two games , for the first time in Yunnan history, provided a platform to display the sports activities independently carried out by a single ethnic group or a single ethnic village and led to mutual exchange, learning and improvingamong all the groups. In the increasing ethnic cultural comunications, the ancient and exclusive traditional sports gradually move towards openness and integration.As ofDecember 2018, the event has been held for 11 times. The traditional sports ofethnic groups have been gradually developed and popularized from the informal form to the formal, which has been well promoted and developed in Yunnan Province.
Traditional Ethnic Sports in Yunnan have experienced thousands ofyears ofinheritance,evolution, integration and development, effectively promoting the transformation of the inherent cultural structure, absorbing all kinds ofresources, integrating ancient and modern Chinese and foreign cultures, creating a new cultural form that conforms to the trend ofthe times and owns ethnic characteristics. The traditional sports of ethnic groups in Yunnan Province is an important part of China’s socialist sports, opening up its long-standing and precious cultural heritage , reflecting modern sports and forming a colorful landscape in people’s sports life. It will play a key role in such aspects as winning gold medals in the Olympic Games, inheriting and excavating ethnic heritage, enhancing national unity and cohesion, enhancing national awareness of hardship, as well as reappearing the great spirit ofpatriotism.