sports

Huge Demand for Esports Tickets at Hangzhou Asian Games

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

A lottery system was used to allocate tickets for esports, which is making its debut as a medaled event at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Ye Zhanhang

Jiang Zuer

After China’s World Cup Setback, Basketball Star Yi Jianlian Retires

After losing to Serbia and South Sudan, China need to beat Puerto Rico by at least 35 points to keep their Paris Olympics qualification hopes alive.

He Qitong

In China’s Dance Schools, a Dangerous Obsession With Weight Loss

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

In China’s elite dance schools, students are facing ever greater pressure to lose weight, with coaches urging them to become “as thin as lightning.” The result: a troubling rise in cases of anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health issues.

Chang Minxiao

Fan Yiying

A League of Their Own: On the Ground at China’s Village Soccer Sensation 

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

Lü Xiao

For This Rural County, Internet Fame Is About More Than Just Money 

One of the last counties in China to be lifted from poverty, Rongjiang County in Guizhou province has been viral all summer because of its village soccer league. Though the huge tourism influx has boosted the local economy, for locals, it is not just money that drives their fervor for the sport.

Li Xin

China’s Youth Are Hooked on a New Outdoor Sport: Lure Fishing

Also known as water golf, this fishing technique is drawing in youngsters with its hands-on approach, with anglers having to mimic movements to entice aggressive fish.

Ding Rui

Before Asian Games, Hangzhou Students Tutor Elderly in English

From students tutoring their grandparents to public transportation staff undergoing English training, Hangzhou is abuzz with preparation for the multi-sport event.

Yang Keyi

Prada Shifts Focus From Celebrities to Athletes, Partners With Chinese Women’s Soccer Team

The Italian fashion label has had to cut ties with several celebrity brand ambassadors over major scandals in recent years. It’s now partnering with more athletes instead.

How a Chinese Village Defied the Odds and Became a Climbing Hub

For years, international climbers and authorities were locked in a standoff over Liming’s sandstone cliffs. Now, the sport’s popularity and China’s success on the global stage have transformed climbing into a valuable resource.

Li Pasha

Does Chinese Soccer Have a Hooliganism Problem?

Chinese soccer fans are flocking back to stadiums following the resumption of live matches. But an uptick in fan violence is raising concerns about whether hooliganism might also be on the rise.

Matthew Hall

Pitch-Invading Teen Hugs Messi, Captures Public Imagination, Now Detained

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi will leave China having come face-to-face with at least one passionate Chinese fan — a teenager surnamed Di, whose pitch invasion and embrace of his idol have made him a legend online while also landing him in legal trouble.

Villagers Detained for Unauthorized Dragon Boat Racing, Sparks Debate

Local governments have clamped down on privately organized dragon boat racing over safety concerns, but some experts are calling for more space to be given to the celebration of folk traditions.

‘Embarrassing’: 10 Chinese Snooker Players Banned For Match-Fixing

The snooker global governing body's investigation concluded that two senior players pressured younger players into fixing matches for betting purposes.

‘Yellow Fever’ Expat Soccer Team Forced to Change Name

Other teams in the same soccer league have come out in support of the team, which has deleted its social media.

Yang Caini

Chinese Climbers Scale Everest, Tragedy and Daring Rescue Ensue

At least 11 international climbers have perished in their attempt to the top of the world so far in 2023.

The Father-Son Duo Winning Over China’s Marathon Scene

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

Inspired by marathoner Dick Hoyt, who ran together with his disabled son, a Chinese courier and his son have taken the running world by storm.

The Paper

China Slaps Basketball Teams with Massive Fines Following Match-Fixing Claims

Two of the country’s top basketball teams have been disqualified from this season’s competition following a scandalous final one-and-a-half minutes of their playoff decider.

Chinese Heavyweight Boxer Secures Historic Win

Zhang Zhilei is now set to challenge world heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

Top Sports Official Removed in Soccer Corruption Crackdown

The government’s campaign to clean up corruption-tainted Chinese soccer is reaching the highest levels of sports governance.

Standing Tall: A Runner’s Unlikely Journey to the Top — of Trees

A national tree climbing champion, Yu Yanling now runs her own company, organizes climbing competitions, and teaches the art to adults and children.