On October 1, the inaugural Guizhou “Village Super” International Friendship Match kicked off with a friendly game between the Malaysian football team and China’s Chongqing football team. This event also marked the start of the Guizhou-Greater Bay Area “Village Super” Football Friendship Match.
Coinciding perfectly with the National Day holiday, the “Village Super” event attracted many tourists to Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province. Chengdu visitor Li Jinghui expressed his excitement about the sports-centric travel experience he and his friends chose. “The thrill of ‘Village Super’ has totally reignited my passion for football,” Li told reporters from China News Service. “At the ‘Village Super’ football field, I didn’t just witness some incredible matches; I also got to soak in the charm of Guizhou’s ethnic culture and savor its delicious food. Here, everyone feels like a star.”
Malaysian player Huang Jiaxing shared his personal transition from watching online to experiencing Guizhou’s football scene firsthand. He described the experience as “remarkable.” Huang said, “I can’t believe the love for football in such a small county. Running on this green pitch is always exhilarating, especially with over ten thousand enthusiastic fans cheering me on. That energy drives me to score even more goals.”
Chongqing footballer Chen Long, who was visiting the “Village Super” for the second time, highlighted the event’s increasing international aspect. “This year’s events not only give Rongjiang locals a chance to shine but also open doors for numerous football fans from China to engage in international exchanges,” Chen noted.
As part of the National Day celebrations, the Guizhou “Village Super” event offered a variety of interactive activities for visitors. Attendees enjoyed performances including the Dong People’s Grand Song and the Miao ethnic lusheng dance, allowing them to immerse themselves in Guizhou’s rich cultural heritage. Chongqing tourist Zhang Fu humorously added, “It doesn’t matter if you know much about football at ‘Village Super’; being here and soaking in the atmosphere is what really counts!”
The Guizhou “Village Super” International Friendship Match aims to unite football enthusiasts and promote Chinese culture among countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering joy through sports and cultural exchange. Additionally, local village teams and ethnic-style cheerleaders from Rongjiang are set to engage in both football and cultural exchanges, showcasing a vibrant and dynamic image of rural China.
