Beach Wrestling

• Photographer
  Maria Tomas-Rodriguez
• Prize
  Bronze in Editorial / sports

Wrestling is a popular sport in west Africa, especially in Senegal and The Gambia. The first traditional wrestling fights took place after the rainy season with fighters from neighbouring villages. Young men used to fight to attract women and bestow honour on their villages. The most popular style uses fist blows prior to grabbing with hands, looking for the back of the opposing fighter to touch the ground and obtain the victory. These days, Senegalese beaches at sunset are crowded with young men practicing this type of fight, is the favourite sport in the country, more than soccer.