On October 1st, the friendly match kicked off between the Malaysian football team and the Chongqing football team, marking the official launch of the inaugural Guizhou “Village Super” “Belt and Road” International Friendship Cup in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province.

With the National Day holiday in full swing, the “Village Super” football event has attracted a multitude of tourists to the area. Chengdu visitor Li Jinghui and his friends decided to focus their trip around the sporting events. “I’m a huge football fan, and the excitement surrounding ‘Village Super’ has really reignited my passion for the game,” Li told reporters. He pointed out that the matches not only highlight impressive football skills but also allow fans to immerse themselves in the rich ethnic culture of Guizhou and indulge in its delicious local cuisine. “At ‘Village Super’, everyone gets to be a star,” he added with enthusiasm.

Malaysian player Huang Jiaxing, who traveled a long distance to participate, expressed his amazement at the community’s devotion to football. “It’s incredible to see so many people in a county so passionate about the sport. Running on the field filled with that energy, I can feel the encouragement from thousands of spectators pushing me to score more goals,” he said.

Chongqing player Chen Long returned to “Village Super” for the second time and noted the increased international vibe this year. “Compared to 2023, the 2024 event is even more global. ‘Village Super’ not only provides a stage for the people of Rongjiang to showcase their talents but also serves as a platform for football enthusiasts in China to engage in international exchanges,” he explained.

The “Village Super” festivities during the National Day celebrations included a variety of activities to entertain visitors. Attendees enjoyed local performances such as the Dong ethnic choir and Miao Lusheng dances, offering them a glimpse into Guizhou’s intangible cultural heritage. There were also opportunities for group karaoke and dance, allowing everyone to celebrate together and experience the joy that football brings. Chongqing visitor Zhang Fu humorously quipped, “It doesn’t matter if you know football or not; just jump in and have fun with everyone!”

The inaugural Guizhou “Village Super” “Belt and Road” International Friendship Cup aims to invite football and Chinese culture enthusiasts from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering a shared joy for sports and showcasing diverse cultures. Local teams and uniquely cultural cheer squads from Rongjiang will have opportunities for cultural exchanges, portraying a vibrant image of rural China.

Rongjiang County Chief Xu Bo shared his aspirations for “Village Super” to gain international recognition. “Rongjiang is seizing the chance presented by ‘Village Super’ within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, looking to create an amateur football brand that’s loved worldwide. This platform will enhance interactions and cultural exchanges in grassroots football among different countries.” He emphasized that this event is just the first step in the internationalization strategy for “Village Super” and revealed plans to host the inaugural “Village Super” World Cup by 2028, aiming to deepen global engagement and promote Guizhou as a premier tourist destination.