„I took this photo in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. When a boy is born, his family prays that he will become a good wrestler. The ancient tradition is still a status symbol in the nomadic community here, and the focus of many young men’s lives.“
Ken Hermann, photographer, Copenhagen
Luca Sage, photographer, London, England
© Luca SageThese young footballers belong to the local football academy in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. The midday heat probably added to their fierce determination.
Soapbox speeches won’t achieve respect and understanding. The 28th Jewish Culture Festival, held in the former Jewish quarter of Kraków, Kazimierz, fosters them with music, guided tours, workshops and readings (June 22-July 1).
Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, aka King Kazu, is now playing the 33rd season of his career: At 51, the contemporary of Maradona, Platini and Rummenigge is the world’s oldest soccer pro.
Culture clash
Soccer’s fine, but in Mexico and Bhutan, and on the Philippines, many people find other traditional sports even more exciting.
WILD AND WESTERN
Charros, Mexico’s cowboys, demonstrate their prowess with horses before huge audiences. Their charreada, a mix of different equestrian sports, is similar to the U.S. rodeo – and a bone of contention among animal rights activists.
BOW AND ARROW
The local soccer ground is to Germany what the archery range is to Bhutan: Every village, however small, has one, and everyone turns up at competitions. A hit from 140 meters away is celebrated with a traditional victory dance.
CUT AND THRUST
Arnis, better known as Filipino Martial Arts, is the national sport of the Philippines. Not only are hands and feet allowed as weapons, but in some contests also sticks, knives, daggers and swords.