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Players, manager and working staff of Xinjiang pose with their silver medals after the U20 men's football final game at the Chinese National Games in Xiangyang, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, September 18, 2021. /CFP
When Xinjiang defeated Hubei in the penalty shootout at the end of the U20 men's football semifinal game at the Chinese National Games on Friday, Xinjiang's players made history by reaching the men's football final at the National Games for the first time in 62 years.
Though they lost to Zhejiang in the final 2-1 on Saturday, a silver medal is already the best proof that Xinjiang are one of the new reasons to continue to have faith in Chinese football.
Xinjiang's manager Parhat Azimat used to work was the assistant manager of the Chinese youth national team for a long time. That experience gave him a unique way of finding young talents. For example, Xinjiang's Nebijan Muhmet was the captain of China attending the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers. Back Shewketjan Tayir was recruited by the Chinese youth team multiple times.
Moreover, football players from Xinjiang found their positions in multiple teams at the National Games and some of them are playing key roles. For instance, Abulahan Harik made great contributions for Shaanxi to winning to the U18 championship. The U18 Golden Boot winner Parmanjan Kyum is also from Xinjiang.
Players of Xinjiang (white) and Zhejiang (green) compete in the U20 men's football final game at the Chinese National Games in Xiangyang, September 18, 2021. /CFP
After the final game, Xinjiang's players lifted a banner which says: "Xinjiang is a wonderful place. Respect to the rest of the country from Xinjiang. Welcome to our beautiful home."
Chinese football legend Sun Jihai, who is also the vice president of the Xinjiang Football Association, went to the team's locker room after the final and delivered an encouraging speech to the players.
"Xinjiang are the only team celebrate victory with a Chinese national flag. You have every reason to be proud of your performance. Though you are not wearing a national flag on your jersey today, I'm convinced that some of you will join the national team in the future. Today you are playing on behalf of Xinjiang, tomorrow you will be playing on behalf of China. You have already made history and made your hometown proud. Chin up and bring home the best record of Xinjiang football," said Sun.
