Traditional equestrian events light up Donggui Racecourse in Korla, NW China's Xinjiang-TIANSHANNET-天山网

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Wang Lihua) news: On August 30, 2026, the 3000m speed horse race was fiercely contested at the Donggui Racecourse in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. From August 29 to 30, the horse sports events of the 15th Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Games and the 11th Traditional Ethnic Sports Games got underway with great excitement. A variety of racing and skill events were held one after another, with athletes from different teams competing together to showcase the speed and allure of Xinjiang's traditional equestrian sports. The atmosphere at the racecourse was lively and enthusiastic.

The 2000m speed horse race at the Donggui Racecourse in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Wang Lihua)

During the event, the 2000m speed horse race, the 3000m camel race, the 3000m speed horse race, and the 5000m camel race unfolded in sequence on the track amid fierce competition. Riders spurred their horses and charged forward at full speed, while the horses galloped with flying manes and the camels raced steadily, delivering thrilling speed contests. The audience's applause and cheers rang out continuously. After several rounds of competition, each event produced its final rankings, and teams from various regions fought hard and earned impressive results.

The 3000m camel race at the Donggui Racecourse in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Wang Lihua)

The horseback archery competition at the Donggui Racecourse in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Wang Lihua)

Meanwhile, the opening rounds for two traditional skill-based events, archery and picking up hada on horseback, unfolded smoothly. Horseback archery put to the test riders' coordination with their horses as well as their equestrian and marksmanship skills. Riders galloped at full speed, nocking and loosing arrows with sharp, precise and fluid movements. Highly entertaining, picking up hada on horseback saw riders lean down from speeding mounts to collect hadas. Their elegant maneuvers reflect outstanding control and a deep bond between horse and rider.

In the thrilling competition of picking up hada on horseback, a rider leans down from galloping horses to pick up hada at the Donggui Racecourse in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Wang Lihua)

(A written permission shall be obtained for reprinting, excerpting, copying and mirroring of the contents published on this website. Unauthorized aforementioned act shall be deemed an infringement, of which the actor shall be held accountable under the law.)