An international football tournament in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region brought young players from China, Russia, and five Central Asian countries together, delivering not only thrilling matches but also fostering cross-border friendships. The second "Kashgar Cup" International Youth Football Invitational Tournament kicked off on June 24 in Yuepuhu, a remote county bordering the Taklamakan Desert, running through June 24 to June 30. The week-long event saw twelve teams from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan compete in an action-packed showcase of talent and sportsmanship. "I come to watch the matches every day. I love playing football, too. Watching them makes me want to join in," said a spectator. "For us in Xinjiang, football is in our bones. Seeing a big event like this in our hometown, it makes us proud," another spectator said. Although remote, Yuepuhu has a rich football tradition as the sport was introduced into school physical education in the county as early as the 1970s. Today, every class has its own football team, and every school is equipped with a football field. Additionally, the county hosts the largest sports stadium in southern Xinjiang, with a capacity of about 17,000 seats. "It's this strong community foundation that gives us the greatest confidence to host international tournaments. The government attaches great importance to the construction of sports facilities, having carried out comprehensive upgrades to the stadium, as well as improving all the surrounding supporting infrastructure," said Yan Qunhong, deputy director of the Yuepuhu County Culture and Tourism Bureau. For many of these young players, this tournament represents a series of firsts -- their first international competition, their first visit to China, and their first opportunity to interact with peers from across the region. "I really like it here. The organization of this competition is so good," said a Turkmen football player. "The fans are really polite and respectful to the players from other countries," another Turkmen football player said. "It's my first time participating in such a large international tournament. I'm thrilled and hope to perform well on this platform," said a Chinese football player. "Yes, I've tried to make friends with people from the Chinese teams. They are very nice people, they are very sociable. Overall, nice people over here," said an Uzbek football player. For these young players, this tournament marks the start -- a first handshake, a shared dream, and a step towards a more interconnected future. For Yuepuhu, it presents an opportunity for growth, transforming its passion for football into something grander: a hub that connects people, cultures, and futures.
Int'l football event in China's Xinjiang nurtures bonds among young players
