【Central Asia Special Line】Central Asia Youth Chasing Dreams of Xinjiang Green Field

Author Hu Jiachen

As the referee's final whistle sounded, after briefly celebrating the victory, the Tajikistan players shook hands and hugged the players of the opponent's Yuepuhu team in Xinjiang to express their respect. Although the two teams of young football players have different tastes of victory or defeat, the scene of mutual appreciation is particularly warm.

The second "Kashgar Cup" International Youth Football Invitational Tournament is currently being held in Yuepuhu County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang. Young football players from China, five Central Asian countries and Russia competed on the same field.

15-year-old Dias Kujabergenov comes from a football club in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This is his first time to come to Xinjiang. "After leaving the airport, my eyes were attracted by the well-organized city and natural scenery, and I took a lot of photos."

"After I finish school courses every day, I will go to the club to receive professional training." Kazakhstan youth football player Bolanbai Omirbuk, while sharing his daily life, is also curious about the study and life of Chinese youth football players. "Maybe I can meet new people through this competition and learn about their campus life and football training mode." The opening ceremony of the event attracted the applause of Turkmenistan youth football player Emir Abdulaev. With the accompaniment of Chinese drums, dragon and lion dances are vivid; hundreds of actors dance "Mai Sirefu" in ethnic costumes. Emil said that he did not expect to watch such a wonderful performance, which made him interested in traditional Chinese culture.

"The event staff enthusiastically recommended a lot of delicious food to me. Of course, I only bought a little. If you want to be an excellent football player, you need to control your diet." said Ovekov Olaz Mohammed, a Turkmenistan youth football player.

Ovekov said that he had rarely participated in the competition abroad before, and he had the opportunity to compete with football players of the same age in different countries in this competition, which made him very excited. "The players participating in the Chinese professional club are very strong. We will cherish this opportunity, accumulate experience and improve our skills."

The football atmosphere in Kashgar, Xinjiang is strong. At present, 108 youth football specialty schools have been built in the local area, 167 youth football teams have been established, and more than 40 players have been sent to professional clubs in total. The relevant person in charge of the event organizer said that the event lasts for 7 days and will also hold seminars and other activities, aiming to build a platform for youth exchanges among countries by holding high-level international football events and enhancing friendship in competition.