Guizhou's rural soccer league going global

The first "World Cup" of the Village Super League is expected to kick off in Guizhou province in 2028, welcoming grassroots soccer teams from around the world to enjoy the charm and joy of the sport, said Tang Yueqiang, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

The Village Super League, or Cun Chao, which has gained massive popularity since its debut in May 2023 in Rongjiang county of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture of Guizhou, has not only sparked a domestic frenzy, but also attracted widespread international attention.

"Unlike commercialized professional leagues, the Cun Chao 'World Cup' will be open to amateur teams across the world, aiming to foster a global platform for sports and cultural exchanges," said Tang, who is also director of the standing committee of the prefecture's people's congress.