A foreigner takes part in the cuju match on April 21. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

Dressed in long blue and green robes and black hats, people recently kicked around a restored ball used in the Song Dynasty-era (960-1279) sport known as cuju. It felt like traveling back in time, but this was in fact a modern-day match between two international teams in Hangzhou on April 21.

Cuju, known as the precursor to football, was a nationwide sport played during the Song Dynasty.

The cuju event took place at the football field at Zhejiang University City College. Players included faculty and students and were divided into two teams: Qiyun and Shechao.

Players from each team took turns kicking the ball with their insteps to their teammates, who would then shoot the ball towards the goal. Shechao found a strategy early on, with one player kicking the ball up while the another shot it, creating a beautiful arc that landed it in the goal.

The goal in cuju is small and located above the ground. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

Qiyun was not far behind and scored a goal within the next 15 minutes. The teams were evenly matched and the game went into overtime. Just when it seemed like the game would end in a draw, Qiyun scored one more goal at the last minute, winning the game with a final score of 2:1.

Cory, an American teacher at the college, was the captain of the winning team. He scored both of their goals and was proud of the outcome.

"I love football and I'm looking forward to the Asian Games in Hangzhou this summer. It's an important event I don't want to miss."

Peerada, an international student at the school and the only female on the team, also enjoyed the game. "It was really fun. I'm not that familiar with football, but I was curious about cuju and decided to join. The goal is so small and hard to score, but it was a great experience. I also learned a lot about traditional Chinese culture."

A foreigner takes part in the cuju match on April 21. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

The revival of cuju is an excellent example of how ancient traditions can be reinterpreted and given new life in modern times. It also serves as a reminder that sports have no cultural or national boundaries, bringing people of every creed and color together to enjoy the beauty of the game.

An ancient painting depicting people playing cuju in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]