Sichuan and Chongqing shuttlecock masters from Chengdu show off their unique skills by -making friends with the ball-

On October 19th, the inaugural “Xuan Yu Cup” Chengdu Jianzi Invitation Tournament kicked off at Chengdu Sport University. A total of 39 teams from Chengdu, Chongqing, Mianyang, Deyang, Neijiang, Yibin, and other areas showcased their skills in the game of Jianzi, impressing the audience with high-level techniques like flying kicks, spinning strikes, hooks, and scissors kicks.

The game of Jianzi combines elements from various sports, incorporating badminton court dimensions, volleyball gameplay rules, and soccer-like techniques. This new sport features net-based competition and boasts a blend of martial arts, theater, and dance, offering both aesthetic and athletic appeal. Notably, in September 2023, the State Sports General Administration announced that Jianzi will be included as a mass competition at the National Games, providing fresh momentum for its development.

The tournament is organized by the Chengdu Municipal Sports Bureau, Chengdu Sport University, Sichuan Provincial Social Sports Guidance Center, Chongqing Social Sports Guidance Center, and the Chengdu Sports Association. It features four main events: the Jianzi competition, a mixed-gender 4×30 seconds relay counting race, a mixed trio flower Jianzi competition, and a one-minute individual counting competition, providing a platform for Jianzi enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to showcase their talents.

At the Jianzi venue, the athletes from Chengdu and Chongqing demonstrated remarkable teamwork, executing a series of intricate moves. In the flower Jianzi event, competitors displayed their unique strengths, making the flower Jianzi swoop through the arena like shooting stars, leaving the spectators in awe.

“I felt the rich Jianzi culture in Chengdu. Through this event, I deeply sensed the passion of the people in the Sichuan-Chongqing region for Jianzi,” said Yi Qiang, an international Jianzi judge. He expressed hope for more events of this caliber across the country to expand the competitive platform for Jianzi enthusiasts.

In recent years, Chengdu has not only focused on promoting emerging sports but has also significantly supported and promoted traditional sports. Practices such as Tai Chi, Kongzhu, and Jianzi have experienced rapid growth. Nowadays, Jianzi can be seen everywhere in Chengdu—from city streets to parks and community squares—drawing more and more citizens into the sport. In the future, Chengdu plans to host more traditional sports events, preserving and promoting traditional athletic practices while further enhancing the city’s sporting atmosphere.