The Yucatán junior PoktaPok team has emerged victorious in the Mayan Ball Game World Championship. They secured their win after defeating Belize in the finals held in El Salvador. The triumphant team proudly showcased their trophy, marking their success in this international competition.
The young team had the backing of Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena and the Sports Institute of the State of Yucatán (INDEY). They competed against teams from six countries in the southeast region, all from areas with a rich Mayan heritage. The championship took place in El Salvador, with teams from Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico, all regions where the Mayan ball game was played thousands of years ago.
The victorious Yucatán team is delighted with their achievement and appreciates the recognition and support from the wider community. They are eager to continue representing Mexico in future competitions.
The team comprised players from San Pedro Chimay, Tahdzibichén, and Chapab. Each player demonstrated exceptional skills in this sport, which involves passing a ball through a hoop, a feat that requires hours of training and preparation. The players also honor the tradition by dressing as the Mayans did in the past.
Yoscar Chan Chí, originally from Tahdzibichén, clinched the individual championship in this event. Having practiced the sport since childhood, he is recognized as one of the best local players. The Yucatán team, therefore, returned home with both the team and individual championship trophies.
The next Mayan Ball Game World Championship is scheduled to take place in Honduras around the same time next year.
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