Youth participation in girls’ football across Xinjiang has expanded significantly, growing from 268 to 822 teams and expanding the roster of registered female players to nearly 13,000 over the past two years.

Local initiatives organized by the regional women’s federation have combined regular competitive leagues with cultural exchanges and skill development programs.

At the 2026 national ethnic unity friendship tournament, young athletes showcased their training and progress, highlighting the sport’s role in building teamwork, self-confidence, and athletic ambition among youth from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Source: People’s Daily