The 2025 World Indigenous Traditional Sports Games officially opened today (December 10) at Laiyi Senior High School in Pingtung County, marking Taiwan’s first time hosting an international indigenous sporting event. The Games brought together approximately 1,100 athletes from 28 delegations representing 10 countries, including Taiwan, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, Guatemala, New Zealand, the Philippines, the United States, Canada, and Japan. United by sport as a shared language, participants engage in cultural exchange and international dialogue.

Centered on the theme of “Weaving Indigenous Peoples Worldwide,” the Games symbolize indigenous peoples from around the world gathering in Taiwan to share cultural heritage and express collective vitality through dynamic competition. Over three days of events, athletes will compete in 10 traditional disciplines, including traditional archery, log sawing, traditional tug-of-war, traditional wrestling, net casting, weight carrying, traditional road running, freediving sprint, traditional canoe racing, and traditional music and dance—showcasing the knowledge and skills rooted in diverse indigenous life.

Minister Ljaucu·Zingrur of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) noted that the Games are not merely a sporting competition, but a vital platform for indigenous peoples worldwide to see one another, understand one another, and connect through Taiwan. He emphasized that the event aligns with the national policy vision of “Strengthening Taiwan Through Sport,” while also deepening indigenous cultural engagement and international friendship through Taiwan’s rich indigenous heritage.

The opening ceremony began with a large-scale opening performance featuring more than 300 performers, who presented the rhythms and spirit of Austronesian culture through music, dance, soundscapes, and contemporary artistic expression. Delegations then took turns entering the stadium, showcasing the indigenous peoples from different countries gathering in Taiwan in a spirit of respect and friendship.

One of the ceremony’s most anticipated moments was the torch-lighting ritual, led by elite indigenous athletes, Asian Games silver medalist boxer Lai Chu-en and Olympic bronze medalist boxer Chen Nien-chin, as torchbearers. The torch was lit by Olympic gold-medalist weightlifter Kuo Hsing-chun.

The opening performances featured prominent indigenous musicians and groups, including Sauljaljui, Putad Pihay, MATZKA, Kasiwa, Aljenljeng Tjatjaljuvy, Nanguaq Girls, and the Laiyi Senior High School Choir. Through multilingual, cross-tribal, and cross-genre musical performances, the ceremony highlighted both cultural depth and contemporary vitality. The event concluded with a spectacular finale featuring a mass circle dance involving thousands of participants, fireworks, and a drone show—symbolizing how indigenous peoples from around the world coming together in Taiwan can light up the sky in the brightest and most spectacular way.