Buffalo Races Tradition Set to Continue

[geovalin]

While the advent of Pchum Ben afforded Cambodia’s sporting scene a much needed breather, thousands of Cambodians converged on Vihear Sour Cheung village, Kandal province – some 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh – for the annual games which traditionally mark the end of Pchum Ben festivities. Water buffalos are raced in what Cambodians call the ‘Bambol Krobey’ beginning in the early hours of the day – which this year fell on Saturday morning.
 

This year saw a mere 10 buffalos take to the dirt road track leading to the famed pagoda, a dwindling number far removed from the more than 30 taking part in 2009. However, no expense was spared this year as each animal had been lovingly adorned with extravagantly colored headgear as they were cheered on by throngs of local residents and intrepid tourists lining the narrow race track. Almost 50 horses, guided by their riders, tore through the course with ease. The buffalo meanwhile, took a more leisurely approach to complete the almost 500-meter track.
 

Former national team wrestler Chap Luern said organizers, despite the heavy cost, were committed to continuing the annual event, which was first run in 1928. “This year, buffalo and horse racing, as well as wrestling had a good turnout. But we cannot limit the number of competitors as its all voluntary,” he said.

 

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/30275/vihear-sour-tradition-set-to-continue/

 

 

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[PeeJay1959]

15 hours ago, geovalin said:

This year saw a mere 10 buffalos take to the dirt road track leading to the famed pagoda, a dwindling number far removed from the more than 30 taking part in 2009. However, no expense was spared this year as each animal had been lovingly adorned with extravagantly colored headgear as they were cheered on by throngs of local residents and intrepid tourists lining the narrow race track. Almost 50 horses, guided by their riders, tore through the course with ease. The buffalo meanwhile, took a more leisurely approach to complete the almost 500-meter track.

The rest were obviously sick