Chinlone: A Traditional Myanmar Sport Requiring Patience and Skill

Chinlone: A Traditional Myanmar Sport Requiring Patience and Skill

Win Tint, a 74-year-old chinlone player, emphasizes the importance of mastering control of the rising and falling rattan chinlone ball. "When you hear the sound of kicking the ball, it’s like music," he says. "So when you play chinlone, you feel like dancing."

The Game

Chinlone is traditionally played to music and features different styles for male and female players:

  • Male Players:

    • Use stylized strokes of their feet, knees, and heads to pass the ball.
    • The game has a scoring system that can be difficult for outsiders to understand.
  • Female Players:

    • Practice alone in unique ways.
    • Kick the ball tens of thousands of times per session while performing acrobatic stunts, such as:
      • Walking tightropes.
      • Balancing chairs on top of beer bottles.

Rising Stars

Phyu Sin Phyo, a 16-year-old prodigy, practices her skills at a court in Yangon. She has developed an impressive routine that includes:

  • Toe-bouncing a burning ball.
  • Spinning a hula-hoop on fire.

Like Win Tint, Phyu Sin Phyo believes that patience is crucial to becoming proficient at chinlone. Even when she feels unwell, she continues to practice her skills with dedication.

The Art of Chinlone

Chinloners are not just athletes; they are also artists who have mastered various techniques through years of training.

Accessibility

In Myanmar’s capital city, Naypyidaw, there are over 100 courts where people can play this sport for free every day from dawn until dusk. For those interested in learning more about this unique sport, several schools offer classes where students can learn how to play from experienced instructors.

Conclusion

Overall, chinlone is an exciting sport that requires patience, skill, and creativity, making it enjoyable for both players and spectators alike.

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