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The
Celtic wrestling tradition, which was included in UNESCO's
cultural heritage list in 2010, goes back more than 500 years.
"Originally the Hundstoa (Hundstein) was a holy mountain of the
Celts, who immigrated here in the Fifth Century B.C. They
brought iron, tools, sheep and cows with them and also the
Ranggeln sport," said Guenther Heim, a veteran wrestler.
The difference between Celtic wrestling and classical wrestling
is simple, he said.
"The Greek and the Romans wrestled bare-chested, and the Celts
with their clothes on. This has lasted until today."
Children from the age of six are allowed to take part but only
wrestlers aged 19 or older and from the Salzburg region can
compete for the prize of the Hagmoar, a flag.
"The Hagmoar of Hundstoa has been highly prized since time
immemorial and it is difficult to win. That's why the Hagmoar of
Hundstoa is a very precious title," Heim said.
This year, 90 applicants showed their skills in bouts at more
than 2,000 meters (6560 ft) altitude. The most important skills
needed to win - a good grip, a firm stand and lots of strength.
In the end, 25-year-old Christoph Eberl took the title.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. You work for years to achieve
this success and when it happens you almost can't believe it,"
he told Reuters. "It's awesome. Just beautiful."
(Reporting by Lisi Niesner, writing by Kirsti Knolle, editing by
Angus MacSwan)
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