Last week, the World Cup of Poktakok was held in Guatemala between teams from several Central American countries. After progressing through to the final round and facing stiff competition from teams from El Salvador and Mexico, the team from Belize prevailed as the 2017 World Champions of Poktatok.
Sometimes known as Pok-ta-Pok, Poktakok was the ancient Maya version of the classic Mesoamerican ballgame known as Tlachtli to the Aztecs. Although largely unknown to the outside world, Poktakok has recently undergone a revival in many Maya communities. Somewhat like a cross between volleyball and soccer, Poktakok involves two teams using their forearms and thighs to keep a large, five-pound rubber ball in play.
Throughout Central America, including in Belize, nearly every major pre-Columbian city featured a large ball court for playing Poktakok. It is believed that the Poktatok competitions were partly a sporting event and partly a religious ceremony, the outcome used as an omen to decipher the mood of the gods.
Team Belize featured members of the indigenous Maya community, including the village of Yo Creek. Following their victory, Team Belize held a victory parade in Orange Walk Town.
The staff and management of the Chabil Mar resort warmly congratulate Team Belize on their victory in the 2017 World Cup of Poktatok.
