On Sunday, approximately 180 competitors participated in the 64th German finger wrestling championship in Pang, located in Bavaria, roughly an hour’s drive southwest of Munich. Fingerhakeln, as it’s known in German, is a popular sport in the German Alpine region and neighboring Austria, with its origins in dispute resolution, dating back to the 19th century.
The event took place during the Panger Folk Festival and featured various age and weight categories, starting with youth and juniors. Competitors wore the traditional Bavarian costume known as Tracht. Georg Hailer, president of Germany’s oldest and largest finger wrestling club, the Fingerhakler Schlierachgau, mentioned that there are nine clubs in Germany and four more in neighboring Austria, emphasizing that the sport is not dangerous, despite occasional minor injuries to the fingers.
Fingerhakeln is strictly organized with precise rules, requiring specific measurements for both the table and leather strap, and traditionally, only men compete. Two competitors sit on opposite sides of a table, each putting one finger through a small leather loop, and the objective is to pull the opponent across the table as quickly as possible. Advanced techniques, a well-trained finger, and bodily strength are crucial in this sport.
Later this summer, the Bavarian championships in Mittenwald will offer another opportunity for finger wrestlers to showcase their talents.
Edited by: Alex Berry
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/german-finger-wrestlers-battle-for-championship-glory/a-72371166?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
