Football forges bonds of diplomacy in Guizhou

(ECNS) -- The 2024 “Discover China Cultural Tour” of Guizhou for Diplomats kicked off on last Saturday in Rongjiang County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

A team of diplomats from Latin American and Caribbean countries played a football match against a Guizhou Village Super League named “Luohanguo”.

The match kicked off at 8:30 p.m. The players on both sides fought intensely on the field. The crowd cheered in the distinctive style of “Guizhou Village Super League”, enthusiastically shouting “Hanbala!” (“Go!” in the Dong ethnic language).

The match ended in a 2-2 draw. .

Sebastián Bandera, second secretary and consul of embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in China, described the atmosphere at the scene as “magical” during an interview with China News Service.

The players played exceptionally well, especially the young kids, who were brave enough to run and fight for the ball on the field, said Bandera.

The Tour was first launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China in 2021, with this the second time it has taken place in Guizhou.

Over the past few days, seven ambassadors and 24 diplomats from 15 countries, such as Argentina, South Africa, Colombia, Morocco, and Mexico, have visited landmarks including the Jiaxiu Tower in Guiyang City and explored popular destinations like Qingyun market.

During their stay in Rongjiang County, the diplomats immersed themselves in Dong villages, enjoying the vibrant local scenery and experiencing ethnic culture and way of life through the event.

South African Ambassador Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele said the football event has forged a deep friendship between Africa and Rongjiang, with everyone gathering to sing and dance, adding more fun to the competitive spirit of football.

The first "Belt and Road Initiative" and Village Super League Friendship Football Games is set to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6 in Rongjiang County. Players from Malaysia, Brazil, Algeria, and other nations will compete in multiple friendly matches against teams from Chinese provinces, including Guizhou Province, Guangdong Province, Liaoning Province, Yunnan Province, and Hunan Province.