The Yucatecan team of PoktaPok (Mayan Ball Game) obtained first place in the World Mayan Pelota Championship, held in El Salvador, after beating its counterpart from Belize in an exciting final match.
The champions celebrated this achievement, which highlights the dedication and talent of the Yucatecan players. They represented Mexico in a competition that brought together teams from six countries in the Mayan region.
The competition brought together teams from Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico, countries where the Mayan ball game was played thousands of years ago, a sport with deep cultural roots. The Yucatecan players stood out not only for their skill but also for wearing clothing inspired by the ancient Mayans, reinforcing the connection with their historical heritage.
The champion team includes young people from the towns of San Pedro Chimay, Tahdzibichén, and Chapab, who, with hours of training and effort, managed to surpass their rivals. Among them, Yoscar Chan Chí, originally from Tahdzibichén, stood out and also won the individual championship, establishing himself as one of the best players in this ancient discipline.
The team had the support of the Sports Institute of the State of Yucatán (INDEY).
This triumph not only places Yucatán on the international sports map but also highlights the importance of preserving and disseminating cultural practices such as PoktaPok, which connects the past with the present.
The next edition of the World Mayan Pelota Championship will take place in Honduras next year. That will offer a new opportunity for Yucatecan players to continue demonstrating their excellence in this ancient sport.
The victory of the Yucatecan team is a source of pride and a reminder of the value of preserving traditions that are part of the cultural heritage of the Mayan region.
TYT Newsroom
