Participants covered head-to-toe in mud compete in the unique and ancient sport of mud ball wrestling. The centuries-old sport, known locally as 'Vat cau bun', is played with two teams of eight who attempt to put a 15kg ball made from ironwood into a hole at the opposing team's end of the arena. These fascinating photos were taken by photographer Thong Nguyen at Van village in the Van Ha commune, in the northeastern Vietnamese province of Bac Giang. Games go on for hours and the festival lasts for three days. It is only ever held at Van village, in a tradition that dates back to the 6th Century. SEE OUR COPY FOR DETAILS. Please byline: Nguyen Huu Thong/Solent News ?? Nguyen Huu Thong/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800