Sino-U.S. Youth Sports Festival in Chongqing Fosters Cross-Cultural Connections Through Athletics and Innovation

Chongqing - The 2026 "Crossover to the Future" Sino-U.S. Youth Sports Festival opened March 27 in Chongqing, bringing together 46 female basketball players and coaches from 10 high schools across California. Now in its second year, the event uses sports as a platform to promote mutual understanding and build lasting friendships between young people from China and the United States.

At the opening ceremony, a message of respect, unity, and friendship set the tone. "I sincerely hope that over the next few days, every game, every interaction, and every shared moment will reflect the very best of humanity - respect, unity, and friendship," the gathering heard.

Following the ceremony, the U.S. delegation participated in table tennis and martial arts sessions, along with hands-on cultural activities including ceramic sculpture, tea sachet making, and printmaking - offering a window into traditional Chinese culture.

During their stay, the group played friendly basketball games with local students and visited notable sites such as the Stilwell Museum and the Wulong Three Natural Bridges. The visits offered a firsthand look at Chongqing's development and a multi-dimensional perspective of modern China.

On March 31, the delegation toured Respirent, a Chongqing-based pharmaceutical company. There, they learned about the company's self-developed salmeterol and fluticasone propionate powder for inhalation, which has received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "I think it's great," said one participant. "With this new product coming out, it'll really help people in the U.S."

The group also visited the Chongqing Robot and AI Application Exhibition Center, where they observed Chinese robots operating in service, industrial, and other complex environments. The American visitors were particularly impressed by the robots' fluid dance movements, a sophisticated backflip, and interactive demonstrations. "It's such an experience because we don't have this in the U.S.," one attendee said.

Antonio Yung, Envoy, City of Sacramento - China Office, reflected on the trip's broader purpose. "I've been to Chongqing many times, but it never fails to amaze me - there's always something new to discover. On this trip, I wanted the young people to understand how China's 5,000-year history shapes the country today. Visiting a robotics center gives them a glimpse of the future, and touring a pharmaceutical company shows how innovation benefits people not only in China but around the world."

For many participants, the experience was transformative. "This is such a cool experience," one student said. "I love the culture - it's beautiful here. My favorite part is the food. Honestly, it's super great - better than Chinese food back in the U.S. I hope to come back next year."

Another added, "It's great to meet new people. You're all so excited that Americans are visiting, and we get to learn about your culture and language. I think it's wonderful."

Several athletes who participated in last year's program returned as informal ambassadors, encouraging their teammates to join. "They really wanted to come back," Yung said. "They told the other girls, 'You have to see it for yourself.' Our goal was simple: for them to come with open minds and open hearts - to listen, to look, and to feel. When I was asked, 'What do you want me to see?' I said, 'See what you see, feel what you feel.' One of the biggest takeaways they shared was, 'They're just like us.' And I said yes. From that perspective, mission accomplished."

Whether on the basketball court or off, experiencing local culture and cuisine, the delegation's time in Chongqing left a lasting impression - one defined by connection, discovery, and mutual respect.

This marks the second exchange event under the "Crossover to the Future" initiative, which aims to bring young people from China and the United States closer through sports and cultural engagement.