The 19th Grand Bull Prize National Ssirum Contest took place at the national ssirum ground on Rungna Islet in Pyongyang on September 5-6.
Wondering who would win the 19th Grand Bull Prize, huge crowds thronged the ground to see the contest of strength and wits.
One best player from each province (city under the direct control of the government) could take part in the contest which decided the rankings through catch-weight matches and therefore it was very fierce from the preliminary matches.
Divided into four groups, the participants played group league and additional matches and winners of them advanced to the finals to compete on a knock-out basis.
Song Chol Min from Pyongyang drew the attention of spectators as he had looked forward to the third consecutive victory. Whenever he defeated his opponent soundly, spectators gave him a big hand.
Unexpectedly, however, Choe Tong Bom from North Phyongan Province was crowned champion.
He was third in the placings in the previous contests, but now beat Kang Song Gun from Jagang Province and Pyongyang’s Song Chol Min, who are heavier than him.
Kang weighing less than Song also outdid Song to come second in the final.
Experts said it is the success of the 19th contest as well as of the two players.
In the ssirum contest in which a player has to take his opponent’s thigh band, the one with less weight or lower height is inferior to his opponent in the grabbing of the thigh band, which has a big influence on the match.
Therefore, relatively small players need agility, quick estimation of the situation, making of correct decision and boldness. Choe and Kang could beat Song as they had the initiative and played games boldly by giving full play to such abilities.
After the contest, Choe said: “I will never forget this game forever. It is not only because I emerged victorious in the tough match, but also because ssirum is an excellent sport which enabled me to experience the pleasure of defeating a larger and stronger opponent.”
The spectators heartily applauded as they saw thrilling matches whose results were unexpected.
The trophy cup, medals and diplomas were awarded to winners.
More From Pyongyang Times
According to a recent survey researchers conducted by using AI technology, more than 300 million people will suffer from at least
December 02, 2025
According to a recent survey researchers conducted by using AI technology, more than 300 million people will suffer from at least
South Phyongan Province built a new grain transit station specializing in grain transport, storage, processing and supply. The
December 02, 2025
South Phyongan Province built a new grain transit station specializing in grain transport, storage, processing and supply. The
Valentina Matvienko, chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, condemned the Western policy of confrontation with Russia at an
December 02, 2025
Valentina Matvienko, chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, condemned the Western policy of confrontation with Russia at an
New houses have been built at the Mangum Greenhouse Farm of the North Hwanghae Provincial Rural Economy Committee and the Yonryu
December 02, 2025
New houses have been built at the Mangum Greenhouse Farm of the North Hwanghae Provincial Rural Economy Committee and the Yonryu
South Hamgyong Province has renovated Hamhung Stadium. The stadium equipped with stands, a referee room, players' waiting room,
December 02, 2025
South Hamgyong Province has renovated Hamhung Stadium. The stadium equipped with stands, a referee room, players' waiting room,
The national presentation of technical experience and exhibition of scientific research achievements in the agricultural sector
December 02, 2025
The national presentation of technical experience and exhibition of scientific research achievements in the agricultural sector
Rason Municipality concluded the reconstruction and modernization project of the Rason General Foodstuff Factory, true to the
December 02, 2025
Rason Municipality concluded the reconstruction and modernization project of the Rason General Foodstuff Factory, true to the
The Kosong bamboo grows in the area of Kosong County, Kangwon Province. In the late 1950s 50-odd saplings of the bamboo were
December 02, 2025
The Kosong bamboo grows in the area of Kosong County, Kangwon Province. In the late 1950s 50-odd saplings of the bamboo were
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently dubbed the Western mass media patronizing the
December 01, 2025
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently dubbed the Western mass media patronizing the
New houses have been built at the Ryokpho Vegetable Farm in Ryokpho District and the Oryu Vegetable Farm in Sadong District in
December 01, 2025
New houses have been built at the Ryokpho Vegetable Farm in Ryokpho District and the Oryu Vegetable Farm in Sadong District in
The Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations called for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in a speech at an
December 01, 2025
The Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations called for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in a speech at an
The Saesol Farm in Munchon City and the Roun Farm in Chonnae County of Kangwon Province have undergone big changes beyond
December 01, 2025
The Saesol Farm in Munchon City and the Roun Farm in Chonnae County of Kangwon Province have undergone big changes beyond
The Pyongyang Schoolchildren's Footwear Factory was built and the Pyongyang School Uniform Factory was renovated to hold
December 01, 2025
The Pyongyang Schoolchildren's Footwear Factory was built and the Pyongyang School Uniform Factory was renovated to hold
The Sunchon Building-materials Factory has been upgraded. The completion of a large-capacity building-materials production base
December 01, 2025
The Sunchon Building-materials Factory has been upgraded. The completion of a large-capacity building-materials production base
The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on November 24 to denounce Israel's air raid on Lebanon. The statement condemned
November 30, 2025
The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on November 24 to denounce Israel's air raid on Lebanon. The statement condemned
The construction of surface structures of Tanchon Port has been successfully completed. An inauguration ceremony of the port
November 30, 2025
The construction of surface structures of Tanchon Port has been successfully completed. An inauguration ceremony of the port
A symposium in the field of social sciences took place on November 27 to deeply grasp the immortal exploits performed by the
November 29, 2025
A symposium in the field of social sciences took place on November 27 to deeply grasp the immortal exploits performed by the
November 29 is World Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The 32nd Session of the UN General Assembly in 1977 decided to
November 29, 2025
November 29 is World Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The 32nd Session of the UN General Assembly in 1977 decided to
A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the US’ military threat against Venezuela.The US is widely advertising that
November 29, 2025
A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the US’ military threat against Venezuela.The US is widely advertising that
A friendly match between the national women’s football teams of the DPRK and Russia took place at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang
November 29, 2025
A friendly match between the national women’s football teams of the DPRK and Russia took place at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang
More Articles
