Cuju: The ancient game that showcased Chinese sporting innovation

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As one of the most popular sports in the world, football is enjoyed by so many enthusiasts and athletes that it's often considered an essential part of life. According to historical texts, cuju is a ball game that can be traced back to the Warring States period. Similar to football, cuju is widely considered as the origin of the sport.

Preserved in the Palace Museum in Beijing, a Chinese painting from the Ming Dynasty depicts a game of cuju. /CFP

The competitive game of cuju gained popularity as a folk game during the Warring States period (475-221BC). Originally adopted as a method of fitness training for soldiers during the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), cuju became popular in the imperial courts and among the upper classes.

The sport flourished during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) amid the rapid social and economic development of the era. At the same time, cuju was a game that everyone could take part in, while professional cuju players emerged and received training. The popularity of the game began to fade during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644.)

From entertainment to competition, the rules of the game were established and cuju games were standardized. The game involved kicking a ball through an opening into a net without the use of a player's hands – making it the prototype of modern-day football.

From a feather-stuffed husk ball to an air-filled leather ball, football has been grabbing the spotlight for a very long time. Nowadays, this popular game still captures the hearts of sports lovers around the world and helps to convey a strong sporting spirit. As part of the upcoming 19th Asian Games, many captivating matches are set to take to the global stage and highlight this grand sporting occasion.

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07:49, 21-Mar-2025