Moscow: The Traditional Kalmyk National games has convened this year dedicated to the theme of “International Year of Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV” and the 25th founding anniversary of the Central Buddhist monastery “Geden Sheddub Choi Korling” were held in the village of Yergeninsky, Ketchenerovsky district, Kalmyk Republic, Russian Federation.
Horse riders from Kalmykia, Stavropol, Rostov, Astrakhan and Volgograd regions contested in the horse race program, which included distance racing: one thousand two hundred, one thousand six hundred, three thousand two hundred and 4 thousand eight hundred meters. As well as a 20-kilometre horse race.
Within the framework of the occasion of “International Year of Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV”, a Republic tournament in traditional wrestling, traditional archery and arm-wrestling competitions were held as well as concert programs with the participation of leading musical groups of the Republic of Kalmykia were held.
The winners of the smooth and trot races were awarded valuable prizes. The Grand prize winner of the 20,000-meter horse race was awarded brand new automobile.
The Grand Prize award was presented by Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, and former Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Venerable Telo Tulku Rinpoche said: “Today I want to congratulate everyone on the opening of our Traditional sports festival! This year, our holiday is timed to coincide with the “International Year of Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama” and the 25th anniversary of the Geden Shedup Choekhorling Monastery.
Last year, on 6 July, the international community dedicated the entire year as the “Year of Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama”. All over the world, in many countries and regions, many grand events have been held dedicated to the year of gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Why do many countries and regions thank His Holiness this year?
First, we thank Him for giving us his teachings, which are filled with deep meaning, love and compassion. We are grateful to His Holiness for promoting universal human values. For the fact that he makes great efforts to ensure that there is peace and harmony between peoples and respect between people on our planet. And also, today we thank His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for his attention, for his love for our people, for making spiritual efforts so that we can preserve our religion, culture and national traditions. Today, the Association of Buddhists of Kalmykia has Declared the main prize of the competition – a brand new automobile, and I want to wish all athletes good luck. Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama”
The opening remarks by Telo Tulku Rinpoche were followed by prayers for prosperity and auspiciousness.
The whole day event ensued with brim with festive spirit with over two thousand gathered to watch the competition of traditional sports, wrestling, archery and horse racing. Everyone basked in the celebration of love, kindness and joy, the teachings espoused by His Holiness.
Mr Tsebikov Sanal of Arshan Zelmyn village and his horse won the grand prize and was awarded a winners horse blanket with the print that declared the winner of the year 2021 and “Dalai Lama with us”.
– Filed by Office of Tibet, Moscow