Wrestling inside Africa, Chatúm, Súdán. Portrait photograph by Tomas Vanourek, finalist in the Shoot The Frame Portrait photography award, February 2022

Finalist Portrait · February 2022

Wrestling inside Africa

Nuba wrestling is Sudanese national pastime rivalled in popularity only by football. Named after its place origin, Nuba mountains in South Kordofan, the sport has long and rich history. In the past, it resisted strong pressure from Arabic rulers, who, for example, insisted that fighters must wear clothes. But now, mostly Arabic and Muslim Khartoum is the centre of Nuba wrestling with the only Nuba Wrestling stadium in the country. The fighting starts every Friday afternoon. To win a match, wrestler has to get his opponent on his back within a four-minute time limit.