Make Friends, Not War - Parachuting
Updated 10:31, 13-Oct-2019
By Han Bin, Huang Xiaodong
03:33

One of the most spectacular sports of the 7th Military World Games is Parachuting. It is judged on the accuracy, style and formation in skydiving. CGTN was given exclusive access to China's PLA team to find out how they train to become one of the most competitive in the world.

A PLA specialty

"Parachuting is now a specialty of the special task forces of the land, navy, and air. Safe, accurate landings are crucial for combat readiness," said deputy team captain Feng Jie.

Feng said the world's top military sports gala in Wuhan would be a good chance to learn from the foreign participating teams, taking their experience to boost PLA strength. His brigade has earned numerous awards in war and peacetime missions.

Parachuting is often the fastest way to send in troops in emergency situations. Precision landings also bring high risks, so professional training and strict evaluations are key.

Liu Siwei (L) and her China teammates encourage each other before a formation diving training for the upcoming 7th Military World Games in Wuhan, central China. /CGTN

Liu Siwei (L) and her China teammates encourage each other before a formation diving training for the upcoming 7th Military World Games in Wuhan, central China. /CGTN

When soldiers jump, they have only themselves to rely on. Feng said his team's valuable experience could help the PLA improve overall combat capabilities.

The sky isn't the limit

"I feel like a bird in the sky. The uncertainty is the biggest hook. Every dive is something to enjoy," said team member Liu Siwei.

The 31-year-old has accomplished nearly 7,000 jumps in the past 17 years. When it's done right, it may look simple. But it takes time to become a super parachuter. The fall only takes two to three minutes, but they have to step right on the small yellow dot mark some 1,000 meters after jumping off the carrier aircraft. More extensive training is done on the ground.

Team China's deputy captain Feng Jie (L) and coach He Yufeng watch parachuting training for the upcoming 7th Military World Games in Wuhan, central China. /CGTN Photo

Team China's deputy captain Feng Jie (L) and coach He Yufeng watch parachuting training for the upcoming 7th Military World Games in Wuhan, central China. /CGTN Photo

Since its founding in 1958, China's PLA August 1st Parachuting Team has won over 330 world championships. Now they are aiming for victory at the World Military Games in Wuhan.

In parachuting, the sky isn't the limit – it's the beginning.