The annual event commemorates Nguyen Tam Trinh, the famous general who taught the village’s residents to wrestle and encouraged young men to participate in the Trung Sisters’ Uprising in 40 AD. One of Vietnam’s oldest festivals, Mai Dong wrestling festival spans a history of more than 2000 years. Ha Dang Dong is one of the festival’s organizers: "We’re trying to make the festival better and better. The festival attracts wrestlers, young and old alike, across Vietnam."

Wrestlers at all ages from across Vietnam gather at the festival to show their excellent wrestling and martial skills. 80-year-old Hoang Van San is a former wrestler: "Vietnam’s traditional wrestling is considered the mother of martial arts. It can be said that wrestling is the quintessence of martial arts. Wrestlers are considered back up soldiers to rescue those who lost in their martial arts fighting."

It is said that a small wrestler can easily win rivals that are much bigger than them. Mai Dong elders say that a wrestling competition begins following a ceremony to pay tribute to the village’s ancestors and a formal greetings ceremony between two rival wrestlers and with the audience. 10-year-old wrestler Nguyen Huu Nam told VOV: "My father and I will compete in this year’s festival. I’m very excited to join the festival to practice my skills and learn from other peers."

The festival has contributed to promoting Vietnam’s martial arts spirit and national great unity.