Tejo (sport)

Tejo (ˈtexo), also known, to a lesser degree, as turmequé (tuɾmeˈke), is a traditional throwing sport in Colombia. It is characteristic of its use of small targets containing gunpowder, which explode on impact. There is not one widely accepted theory on the origins of tejo. In fact, it is believed that many of the current theories circulating on the internet might be fictitious and a result of "word of mouth" and speculation. It is, however, widely accepted that the sport has origins in native aboriginals from the center of Colombia, where it might have been played in a similar form. Another theory presented by the Colombian government on its website describes the game as having originated more than 500 years ago. In this theory, presented by one of the most important authorities in the country, the sport was played by native people that would use a golden disc called Zepquagosqua, which means "I play" in the Chibcha language. Tejo is a sport much appreciated by the popular strata of society. Although there are tejo arenas targeted towards those of higher socio-economical strata, most of them are made and used by those of the popular class that see it as a portrait of their pre-Columbian origins. Only soccer enjoys a more numerous following and developed industry in the country. Tejo has professional teams in neighboring countries including Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. The sport's following and industry is much less developed outside of Colombia. Depending on the context, tejo can be played in either a formal or informal sense from collecting points to professional championship tournaments. The game consists of throwing a metal puck/disc (called a tejo), across an alley at a distance of approximately 18.5 meters (ring to ring), to a one-meter by one-meter board covered with clay and set at a forty-five-degree angle. The tablas are located at every extreme of the field. The tabla consists of a wooden frame that holds clay and a protective board to keep the tejo from hitting other elements or people in the neighboring area.