China's new national sport: Uniball Championship concludes in Changchun

The inaugural 2024 National Uniball Championship concluded on December 7 in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, showcasing the growing popularity of this unique Chinese sport. The six-day competition drew 10 teams from across China, with the one from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region claiming the championship in a thrilling final against Jilin Team A.

Uniball, a sport that emphasizes agility, coordination and teamwork, features a unique combination of hand and foot techniques. Played on a hexagonal court formed by two isosceles trapezoids, uniball combines mixed-gender play and net-based confrontation with three-dimensional attack and defense, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional ball games. A standout feature of the tournament was the "wind eye" attack, a signature offensive technique that captivates spectators with its precision and creativity.

Ten teams from across China, including Beijing, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Anhui, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Hubei and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, competed fiercely for the championship.

The final match between Jilin Team A and Xinjiang Team was a thrilling display of skill and determination. Ultimately, Xinjiang Team's consistency and composure earned them the championship trophy, with Jilin Team A, Anhui and Heilongjiang securing second, third and fourth places, respectively.

Following the success of this championship, uniball is poised to make its mark on the global sports stage. Plans for additional events aim to expand the sport's visibility and provide opportunities for athletes and fans to engage with this  innovative and culturally rich game.