sports

Chinese Athletes Excel at Ski Mountaineering World Championships

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

Tibetan teenagers take three gold medals at the world championships just a few years after the sport was introduced to China.

Li Pasha

As Global Marathons Beckon, China’s Runners Ready to Race Again

With travel restrictions lifted in China, amateur runners are rushing to register at overseas events. But for now, the coveted Pyongyang Marathon will have to wait.

China’s Soccer Woes Deepen as Naturalized Players Jump Ship

Before the pandemic, China’s soccer leagues were boosted by an influx of foreign-born players who naturalized as Chinese. Now, some of those stars are quietly renouncing their new nationalities.

Recovered From COVID, Young Chinese Are Now Gripped by Snow Fever

Although ski resorts are not as crowded as last year’s holiday season, they’re gradually witnessing a rebound.

Wu Peiyue

China Pays Tribute to Brazilian Soccer Legend Pelé 

Pelé was one of the greatest soccer players and the only player to win the World Cup three times.

Li Xin

Social Networks for Soccer in China are Diminishing, Fans Say

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

SIXTH TONE ×

Serious soccer fans mourn the loss of the thriving online community they once had.

Kaiboluo Caijing

China Slaps Soccer Personnel With Lifetime Ban Over Match-Fixing

The Chinese Football Association levied penalties relating to a controversial game in another push to regulate the troubled soccer sector.

As the World Cup Nears Its Climax, Chinese Soccer Hits Rock Bottom

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

China has set a target of winning the men’s World Cup by 2050. But after a year of scandal, on-field failure, and financial crisis, that goal has never felt more distant.

Two Star Athletes Have Chosen to Represent China. Netizens Are Furious.

Champion speed skaters Liu Shaolin Sandor and Liu Shaoang have become the targets of unexpected vitriol after switching allegiances from Hungary to China — a sign of Chinese fans’ growing skepticism toward naturalized athletes.

How a Chain-Smoking Marathon Runner Sparked a Furor in China

Middle-aged runner Chen Bangxian became an internet sensation after finishing a marathon with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. The Chinese authorities are not amused.

The Teenagers Revitalizing China’s Sports Prospects

For decades, China’s sporting prowess has been built on a state-driven system that excels at drilling athletes in traditional Olympic disciplines. But a new generation of young stars is determined to break the mold.

Former Chinese Soccer Coach Probed Amid Anti-Graft Crackdown

The sudden downfall of Li Tie, a high-profile figure in the country’s soccer history, has fueled speculation about a new round of crackdowns in the sport.

Ye Zhanhang

‘It’s My Dream’: Chinese Soccer Fans Fly to Qatar Amid COVID Curbs

Some 5,000 to 7,000 tickets have been sold to Chinese fans, far less than the 40,000 for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Chinese Soccer Fans Book Hotel Rooms to Watch the World Cup

Unable to travel, many sports fans are instead finding new and luxurious ways to elevate their watching experience.

Zhou Guanyu: How China’s First F1 Driver Proved His Doubters Wrong

The 23-year-old has had to deal with enormous pressure since becoming China’s first Formula One driver this year. But he appears to be gaining momentum heading into the final race of his debut season.

Mathew Scott

For China’s Paralympic Stars, Retirement Brings a Harsh New Reality

China holds up its world-beating Paralympic team as national heroes. Yet some of its greatest stars are falling into unemployment and depression after retiring.

Confusion Reigns as Marathon Races (Kind of) Return to China

A string of Chinese marathon and trail races were finally due to make a long-delayed return this month. Then, the country’s virus prevention measures tightened up once again.

Shanghai Holds Second Regatta Amid Choppy Waters

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

MULTIMEDIA

Shanghai held the second edition of its flagship rowing event last weekend. But strict pandemic controls once again cast a shadow over the proceedings.

China’s Lofty Goals for Women’s Soccer Team Misses Pay Details

The country is eyeing to become a soccer powerhouse by 2030.

Yang Caini

Team China Makes Breakthrough Win in Women’s Basketball World Cup

China’s female athletes have won wider public recognition, but they still fall short on pay compared with their male counterparts.