Belarusian wrestler draws crowds at Hanoi village festival wrestling event

Zakhar Dzmitrychenka competed on Friday at the Trieu Khuc Village Festival, held in Thanh Liet Ward, Hanoi. 

His participation added to the atmosphere at the early-lunar-new-year wrestling arena, a regular feature of the festival.

Dzmitrychenka, who stands 1.81 meters tall and weighs 94 kg, is not new to Vietnam's traditional wrestling festivals and is regarded as a formidable opponent. 

In a featured bout at Trieu Khuc, he defeated Nguyen Tien Trien after what spectators described as a dramatic match.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Dzmitrychenka said he had developed a strong affection for Vietnam and particularly for its traditional wrestling. 

After first attending the Trieu Khuc festival last year, this marked his second appearance at the event. 

He said he returned this year with friends and was pleased to take part in the festive atmosphere.

Dzmitrychenka also said he had competed in six wrestling festivals across Vietnam since the start of the year and planned to return to Trieu Khuc next year. 

He said he respected his opponents and was impressed by the strength and experience of local wrestlers.

His opponent, Nguyen Tien Trien, 23, from Hanoi, stands 1.83 meters tall and weighs 85 kg. 

Trien said he joined the festival to challenge himself. 

He is currently training in jiu-jitsu and hopes to win multiple medals in the sport in 2026.

"I initially felt nervous about facing Dzmitrychenka, but after the ceremonial pre-match rituals began, I focused solely on competing," Trien said. 

"The match provided me with valuable experience and technical lessons."

Spectators said this year's Trieu Khuc wrestling festival was lively and featured engaging bouts. 

Hoang Xuan Truong, a resident of Khuong Dinh Ward in Hanoi, said the match between Dzmitrychenka and Trien was particularly dramatic, with both wrestlers competing in high spirits and delivering impressive throws.

Nguyen Tuan Minh, a Hoan Kiem Ward resident who is studying wrestling, said the matches created a sense of suspense for the audience. 

He said that although the foreign wrestler had a strong physical advantage, Vietnamese competitors fought with determination and showed no hesitation.

Traditional wrestling is a common feature of village festivals in Vietnam, particularly during annual celebrations held in the early weeks of the lunae new year.