Nuba wrestling has been practised for thousands of years - ancient rock carvings in Sudan show wrestling figures that are over 3,000 years old. The style involves grabbing and throwing opponents using skill and technique rather than just strength. A wrestler wins by forcing their opponent to touch the ground with any body part above the knee. Matches are fast, explosive and over in seconds.
The atmosphere at a Nuba wrestling tournament is as exciting as the bouts themselves. The arena fills with the sound of drums and singing. Women carry young children and dance to encourage their favourite wrestlers. Each village has its champion, and tournaments between villages are big community events. The champion wrestler is treated as a local hero and is given gifts and praise songs.
Young children in Nuba communities learn wrestling from a very early age as part of growing up, playing and spending time with older siblings and cousins. It teaches balance, coordination, respect for opponents and how to win and lose gracefully. Today Nuba wrestling is also performed at cultural festivals across Sudan and is increasingly shown on television, so more people around the world are discovering this joyful tradition.