The article describes a traditional sport of the people of the Russian North – throwing a lasso (tynzyan) at a special wooden pole (khorey). This physical activity plays an important role in the culture of the northern people because it demonstrates attainment of skills and abilities which are important for the working life of the reindeer herders of the Far North. Proof of mastering the techniques of throwing a tynzyan at a khorey is one of the elements of the initiation ritual for boys of different ages in the traditional cultures of many native Northern people. In modern culture it is a major part of the sports of the Northern polyathlon where it retains its traditional cultural value of physical initiation of young men.
