DEMONSTRATIVE MATCH IN MOLDOVAN NATIONAL GAME OINA WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY WITHIN THE EUROPE DAYS

On Saturday, within the framework of the Europe Days, a demonstrative match in the ancient Moldovan national game "Oina" will begin at the central Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau at 12.30 hrs.

The European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova reported in this connection that before the match, there will be various children's entertainment games, and a master class to teach Oina, at which foreign diplomats, journalists and guests of the Days will take a course of training. The entire event at Zimbru was organized by the European Union Delegation to Moldova and by the Embassy of Romania to Chisinau.

Oina is played in two teams of 11 players each - one is the attacking side, or dealing, and the other is the defending one, or catching. During a break, the teams change their roles. The game resembles the Russian "Lapta" or the American baseball. It is played on a field 70 meter long and 32 meters wide.

The earliest direct mention of the Oina is contained in the 1782 Diet Guidance written by Doctor Istvan Matius, who described the use of that game for the human health. Yet in the first half of the 20th century, Oina was quite popular here, but then it started fading, and has remained in only some Moldovan villages by now. However, after 2010, local enthusiasts began reviving this ancient game. And in 2019, Moldova held its first Oina championship.