China News Service, Xining, February 14th: Qinghai Yushu football team goes abroad for the first time: Would like to be seen by more people
China News Service reporter Li Jiangning
"This is the first time! Our Kham football team has gone abroad from the grassland to show our football team and national culture to the world. It is a rare opportunity." On the 14th, Qinghai Yushu Prefecture Football Team Coach Baden Chenglin expressed his inner excitement and pride to reporters over the phone.
On February 10, as one of the highlights of the "Chinese New Year Series Celebrations" held in Nepal, the "Lunar New Year Cup" China-Nepal Friendship Football Match was held in Kathmandu. In this match, the Qinghai Yushu Prefecture Football Team will face the Nepal National U23 Youth Team.
This event attracted many local fans and overseas Chinese in Nepal to watch the event.
The picture shows the Qinghai Yushu Prefecture football team taking a group photo at the green field in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo provided by interviewee
It is reported that the youngest player of the Qinghai Yushu Prefecture football team participating in this competition is only 18 years old. "Although there is a certain gap in professionalism between us and the opponent team, every player went all out to participate in the game." Baden Chenglin told reporters that the players included college students and football coaches from various schools in Yushu. , are all outstanding football players selected through layers of processes.
In the end, the Qinghai Yushu Prefecture Football Team lost to the Nepal National U23 Youth Team.
After the game, Vincenzo Alberto Anness, the Nigerian head coach from Italy, told Baden Chenglin that he admired the tenacious fighting spirit of the Qinghai Yushu Prefecture football team. This young team is completely like a professional team.
During the game, the unique national uniforms of the Qinghai Yushu Prefecture Football Team also attracted the attention of many fans. "The design of the team uniform is inspired by traditional Tibetan clothing. We have made some designs on the collar of the jersey, using the common buttons of Tibetan clothing, and embroidering patterns with ethnic characteristics on the cuffs." Baden Chenglin said.
The picture shows the Qinghai Yushu Prefecture football team returning home after the game. Photo provided by interviewee
42-year-old Baden Chenglin has been engaged in sports-related work for 10 years. He has grown from a football enthusiast to a coach, and he has grown together with the team. "The hard-working, tenacious and never-giving character of us Kamba people is very consistent with the sport of football. Many children have played football since they were young. In Yushu, the football atmosphere is very strong." Baden Chenglin said.
In 2023, this team also encountered a "bottleneck period." Some players slowly withdrew from the team due to age, and the new players still need to be adjusted.
An excellent team not only allows players to grow rapidly, but also brings more opportunities to players. “Many players who came to the team through layers of selection have gained some fame in various competitions, and some have become full-time coaches engaged in football, and some have been spotted by football clubs from other provinces, and then have the opportunity to have a bigger platform. "Baden Chenglin said that when the team's youngest player played in Xinjiang, a football club in Shenyang extended an olive branch to him because of his excellent performance.
"Our team can't be said to be professional or amateur until now." Baden Chenglin said frankly. He hopes that in the future, starting from the youth training, there is a need for some truly professional football coaches instead of physical education teachers to teach football. (over)