Rooted in the folk traditions of southwestern China, Hua Pao has evolved from a festive village pastime into a high-energy team sport.
by sportswriters Cao Yibo, Guo Yifan and Ji Jiadong
SANYA, China, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The crowd's roar, the thrill of competition and the warmth of family bonds came alive during the opening day of the Hua Pao competition at China's 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities in Sanya.
Among the athletes, a rare and heartwarming sight caught the spotlight: 46-year-old Qin Weiwei and his 21-year-old son, Qin Zhenyu, sharing the field in this centuries-old sport.
Rooted in the folk traditions of southwestern China, Hua Pao has evolved from a festive village pastime into a high-energy team sport. It involves two teams of eight players competing on a 60x50 meters field to score by tossing a rubber disc - resembling a colorful wheel - into the opponent's basket while defending their own goal.
Due to its blend of physical strength, teamwork and strategic play, Hua Pao has been known as "Chinese rugby".
For Qin Zhenyu, stepping onto the Hua Pao field wasn't just about competition but carrying forward a family tradition. Watching his father dominate the sport, Qin Zhenyu was inspired to join Guangxi's Hua Pao team after being discovered for his promising skills.
On Saturday, the father-son duo made their mark against Hunan. Qin Zhenyu shone brightly, scoring his first "cannon shot," while his father offered guidance from the bench before taking the field himself.
"Watching my son play is more nerve-wracking than competing myself," said Qin Weiwei, "I remind him of the details to watch out for, where he can improve." Reflecting on his son's debut performance, Qin Weiwei gave a nod of approval: "Not bad at all."
With a history spanning over 500 years, Hua Pao, which was also a celebration of cultural heritage, originated as a ritual event among communities in Guangxi, Guangdong and Yunnan, traditionally held on riverbanks or mountain slopes. Over time, it transitioned into an organized sport and was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021.
Ranging from 19-year-old Zhu Kaifeng to veteran Qin Weiwei, students, teachers and businessmen were among Guangxi's Hua Pao dispatches. Guangxi's captain Wei Kaixuan, a high school physical educator, has worked to promote the sport, turning his school into a training hub and inspiring the next generation of players.
"My uncle introduced me to Hua Pao," said Wei Zongjiang, one of the team's newcomers. He added, "We've competed together before, and now we've become a well-coordinated duo on the field."
As a student of sports education, Wei Zongjiang has taken Hua Pao to his college peers, sparking interest in the sport among younger audiences.
As the torch of tradition passes from veterans like Qin Weiwei to emerging stars like his son and teammates, Hua Pao's popularity continues to soar. "This sport has brought me unforgettable experiences," said Qin Zhenyu, reflecting on his first game alongside his father.
With its electrifying gameplay, rich cultural roots and heartwarming stories, Hua Pao remains a bridge between past and future, uniting generations in the spirit of tradition and sport. ■