Highland youth get their kicks in

Cattle herder helps kids hone soccer skills

As the FIFA World Cup in North America concluded on July 19, a group of children in Lungakhu village in Nagchu city, Xizang autonomous region, stood tall in the windswept highland, hoisting their own version of the trophy. At an altitude of 4,700 meters, these children celebrated their unique "Highland Cup", a testament to their love for soccer and their indomitable spirit.

The tournament featured young players from the village and its neighboring communities, with the youngest participant just 5 years old. The children spontaneously formed five teams, competing in a round-robin format. Points and match outcomes determined the final rankings, crowning the champions of this heartfelt competition.