Chongqing - Spirited football games between Chinese and Myanmar teams have become a daily affair in the border region. The Longchuan County sports center in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, witnessed an intense game between the Longchuan Football Association and the Myanmar Stars United teams at 8 p.m. on September 14.

Starting from September 11 to 15, reporters from iChongqing, Bridging News, and Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia (YICC) embarked on a journey to record the latest development of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor along Dehong, Honghe, Lincang and other prefectures in Yunnan.

Football games between Chinese and Myanmar teams have become a daily affair in Longchuan County. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

“Football matches involving Chinese and Myanmar players occur almost daily,” Tian Shangsong, Deputy Director of the Longchuan County Education and Sports Bureau, told the Bridging News reporter. “Despite Longchuan being a county, its proximity to Myanmar brings many Burmese players to the region, elevating the competition to an international level.”

Myanmar player praises Longchuan Sports ground 

At the Longchuan sports ground, the Myanmar players were dressed in blue, while the Chinese sported red. When a player made his way off the pitch, another quickly stepped up, providing a drink, a handshake, and a few motivating words.

“I work and live in Dehong and frequently come here to play football,” shared a Myanmar player. He emphasized football’s deep-rooted popularity in Myanmar, noting, “For many of us, our introduction to the sport began in our younger years.”

This Myanmar player also voiced his fondness for the competitive spirit found in Longchuan. Despite the keen interest in football in Myanmar, its basic infrastructure often hinders sports development. “This place offers both a venue and a platform to play, and we’re all excited about it,” he said. 

Myanmar players frequently come to Longchuan to play football. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

For some, the game is more than just a pastime. A member of the Longchuan Football Association revealed that these spirited matches have been integrated into their daily routines, especially after a tiring workday. 

“Our love for the game spans years. Our teams come together naturally, from fresh high school graduates to office professionals,” he said. “Football is the passion that connected us, and it has been heartwarming to develop bonds with our friends from Myanmar.” 

Sport transcends borders, fostering cultural exchange

At the outdoor playground, adults energetically took to the track. Just nearby, in the indoor stadium, locals showcased their skills in badminton.

In the heart of Longchuan, there’s a palpable thrill that speaks to its residents’ enthusiasm for sports. The vibrant and hearty ambiance surrounding local sports events is evident everywhere.

In the indoor stadium, locals showcased their skills in badminton. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Tian highlighted Longchuan’s dedication to sports by sharing numerous sporting events, encompassing football, basketball, marathons, and more. By September 2023, the area hosted 42 cultural and sports events, attracting fans nationwide.

“Sport transcends borders,” Tian remarked. “The fundamental rules remain universal. Through these activities, we form friendships and foster cultural exchange.”

The solidarity between the ethnic teams of Longchuan and Myanmar is a testament to this. These interactions amplify Sino-Myanmar cultural ties and further reflect China’s opening-up intention to neighboring countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.