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Women's basketball takes center stage in remote Chinese county
By Su Bin, Chen Junyi, People's Daily
Women of the Miao ethnic group compete in a "Guma" Basketball Game in Leishan county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Peiliang)
In a mountain village in southwest China's Guizhou province, the crisp chime of silver ornaments mingles with the laughter of gathered onlookers in a village square. Here in Leishan county - nestled within Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture - a novel cultural phenomenon has taken shape. Local women have reimagined basketball, infusing the sport with the athletic vigor of modern competition and the rich tapestry of centuries-old ethnic traditions.
Against a backdrop of ancient melodies and the graceful twirl of Miao girls, the "Guma" Basketball Game comes alive. In these communities, married daughters who have moved away are affectionately known as "Guma," or aunties, and their return during major festivals - such as the Miao New Year and the "Chixin" Festival - is marked by festival reunions. Families exchange gifts of chicken, duck, and fish, while childhood friends come together to sing folk songs, perform traditional dances with the lusheng - a traditional Chinese folk musical instrument made of bamboo pipes - and, increasingly, play a spirited game of basketball.
This time-honored tradition has evolved into a unique sport where the rigid rules of professional play give way to a more relaxed and free-flowing contest. Players dash across improvised courts without the constant threat of violations, and fouls are seldom called except in cases of blatant misconduct. The focus is on the exuberance of play - a celebration of community and identity.
The phenomenon has struck a chord far beyond local borders. With its all-female teams and unencumbered style, the "Guma" Basketball Game has captivated digital audiences, garnering more than 10 billion views online. It has quickly joined the ranks of Guizhou's grassroots sports sensation, following the success of the "Village BA" and "Village Super League."
In Leishan county, basketball's popularity among the Miao people is steeped in tradition and community spirit. "In Miao festivals, playing basketball has long been a tradition," said Feng Changming, former vice principal of the Leishan County Vocational School. "The game's competitive and captivating nature speaks to the strong-willed spirit of the Miao people, which is why it caught on so quickly."
Clad in traditional Miao attire with their hair elegantly pinned up, the women sprint across improvised courts, drawing throngs of onlookers. Over time, this unique women's basketball game has spread to numerous villages.
"Basketball has always enjoyed a robust grassroots following here," said Shi Fang, head of the Leishan Sports Management Center. "With the steady improvement of rural sports facilities, the 'Guma' Basketball Game has seen remarkable growth - nearly half of our villages now stage these contests."
This evolution was on full display during the 2024 Xijiang "Guma" Basketball Tournament held at Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, where 75 village teams competed. Organized by the Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television, and Tourism of Leishan county, the event marked a significant expansion of the game's reach. "Participation is no longer limited to married women returning home; any woman who loves sports can join," Feng noted.
For players like Zhou Junzhen - a local photographer who meticulously prepares her traditional Miao dress and freshens her look with the help of local makeup artist - the game is as much a form of cultural expression as it is an athletic competition. "Winning or losing doesn't matter - what matters is stepping onto the court looking our best!" she said.
Beyond its role in local festivals, the "Guma" basketball game has become a magnet for tourists, with many adding a live match to their travel itineraries. Leishan county now hosts tournaments at various administrative levels, drawing teams from neighboring provinces and bolstering local tourism and cultural industries.
"We aim to get more women involved and help them experience the joy and confidence basketball brings," said Shi. "The 'Guma' Basketball Game is more than just a sport - it's a window into Miao culture and the unique charm of Guizhou."
On the court, modern athletic energy intertwines with the rhythms of tradition - the resonant notes of the lusheng, the graceful sway of the Jinji (golden pheasant) dance, and the deep beat of bronze drums - creating a vivid tableau where heritage and modernity converge.
Against a backdrop of ancient melodies and the graceful twirl of Miao girls, the "Guma" Basketball Game comes alive. In these communities, married daughters who have moved away are affectionately known as "Guma," or aunties, and their return during major festivals - such as the Miao New Year and the "Chixin" Festival - is marked by festival reunions. Families exchange gifts of chicken, duck, and fish, while childhood friends come together to sing folk songs, perform traditional dances with the lusheng - a traditional Chinese folk musical instrument made of bamboo pipes - and, increasingly, play a spirited game of basketball.
This time-honored tradition has evolved into a unique sport where the rigid rules of professional play give way to a more relaxed and free-flowing contest. Players dash across improvised courts without the constant threat of violations, and fouls are seldom called except in cases of blatant misconduct. The focus is on the exuberance of play - a celebration of community and identity.
The phenomenon has struck a chord far beyond local borders. With its all-female teams and unencumbered style, the "Guma" Basketball Game has captivated digital audiences, garnering more than 10 billion views online. It has quickly joined the ranks of Guizhou's grassroots sports sensation, following the success of the "Village BA" and "Village Super League."
In Leishan county, basketball's popularity among the Miao people is steeped in tradition and community spirit. "In Miao festivals, playing basketball has long been a tradition," said Feng Changming, former vice principal of the Leishan County Vocational School. "The game's competitive and captivating nature speaks to the strong-willed spirit of the Miao people, which is why it caught on so quickly."
Clad in traditional Miao attire with their hair elegantly pinned up, the women sprint across improvised courts, drawing throngs of onlookers. Over time, this unique women's basketball game has spread to numerous villages.
"Basketball has always enjoyed a robust grassroots following here," said Shi Fang, head of the Leishan Sports Management Center. "With the steady improvement of rural sports facilities, the 'Guma' Basketball Game has seen remarkable growth - nearly half of our villages now stage these contests."
This evolution was on full display during the 2024 Xijiang "Guma" Basketball Tournament held at Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, where 75 village teams competed. Organized by the Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television, and Tourism of Leishan county, the event marked a significant expansion of the game's reach. "Participation is no longer limited to married women returning home; any woman who loves sports can join," Feng noted.
For players like Zhou Junzhen - a local photographer who meticulously prepares her traditional Miao dress and freshens her look with the help of local makeup artist - the game is as much a form of cultural expression as it is an athletic competition. "Winning or losing doesn't matter - what matters is stepping onto the court looking our best!" she said.
Beyond its role in local festivals, the "Guma" basketball game has become a magnet for tourists, with many adding a live match to their travel itineraries. Leishan county now hosts tournaments at various administrative levels, drawing teams from neighboring provinces and bolstering local tourism and cultural industries.
"We aim to get more women involved and help them experience the joy and confidence basketball brings," said Shi. "The 'Guma' Basketball Game is more than just a sport - it's a window into Miao culture and the unique charm of Guizhou."
On the court, modern athletic energy intertwines with the rhythms of tradition - the resonant notes of the lusheng, the graceful sway of the Jinji (golden pheasant) dance, and the deep beat of bronze drums - creating a vivid tableau where heritage and modernity converge.
