Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport that is played with a metal disc called a tejo. It is known as the National Sport of Colombia!
The sport is believed to have originated in Turmequé in the 16th century, when Spanish colonists introduced gunpowder to the area. The game is said to have been developed by the Muisca people, who were the dominant indigenous culture in the area at the time. The Muisca people were known for their metalworking skills, and they may have developed the game using metal discs that they used for other purposes.
Another theory is that tejo originated in the Chibcha culture, which was another major indigenous culture in the area. The Chibcha people were known for their love of gambling, and they may have developed the game as a way to gamble on the outcome of the game.
Whatever its origins, tejo became a popular sport in Colombia during the colonial period. The game was often played by Spanish colonists and indigenous people alike, and it became a way for the two cultures to interact and to learn from each other.
The goal of the game is to score points by hitting three different targets with the tejo. The targets are a metal ring, a clay pigeon, and a gunpowder charge. If the tejo hits the ring, it scores 3 points. If it hits the clay pigeon, it scores 2 points. And if it hits the gunpowder charge, it scores 6 points. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Tejo is a popular sport in Colombia, and it is often played in bars and restaurants. The game is also a popular tourist attraction, and there are a number of tejo courts located in tourist destinations throughout the country.
Here are some other interesting facts about tejo:
- The name "tejo" comes from the Spanish word "tejo", which means "dart".
- The metal disc used in the game is called a "chapita".
- The targets are made of metal, clay, and gunpowder.
- The game is played on a rectangular court that is approximately 10 meters long and 5 meters wide.
- The game is typically played between two teams of two or three players each.
- The game is played in a series of rounds, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.