Sudanese Wrestling 

Sudanese wrestling originated among the tribes of the Nuba Mountains in southern Sudan, particularly in the South Kordofan region. Sudanese wrestlers are often born into families of wrestlers, inheriting the sport alongside their names and wealth. From a young age, they begin learning combat techniques, eventually becoming players who symbolize their tribe and are a source of pride.

Before participating in tournaments, the wrestler's family sends their champion to training camps in remote areas. There, the wrestler receives food and clothing so they can focus solely on the match. When they enter the ring, they are accompanied by a procession of family members carrying the flag that represents their tribe. Veteran wrestlers from the tribe surround them, while women ululate and boys cheer.

Each family’s flag is displayed at the venue during the match. At the end of the competition, the winner takes their opponent's flag. In Kordofan, you can identify houses with many flags, which signify the presence of a talented wrestler.

These traditions were brought to the cities of northern Sudan when the Kordofan tribes migrated there following the civil war outbreak in 2011. The sport gained significant popularity and eventually established a federation that encompasses several smaller unions, making it more competitive and elevating it to the second most popular sport in Sudan after football.

It is played every Friday and Saturday at "Al-Haj Yousif Stadium" in Khartoum, Sudan.

Khartoum, Sudan, Haj Youssef, 2022.