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Eight sports that thrived in 2023's spotlight(Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:22, December 19, 2023
Editor's note: With a growing focus on health and well-being in 2023, people are increasingly seeking fun and engaging ways to exercise and stay active. This trend has led to the rise of several exciting and innovative sports. Let's have a look at some of them getting more popular this year.
Players compete at the 2023 National Paddle Board Yoga Championship (Shijiazhuang competition venue) on Oct 21, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)
Water sports have gained much attention in recent years, among which stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the most popular ones in 2023.
SUP is a water sport that draws inspiration from surfing, with its modern roots firmly planted in the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii in the 1900s. Unlike traditional surfing, where you lie down on the board and use your hands to paddle, SUP allows you to stand on a wider and more stable board, propelling yourself through the water with a long paddle.
Variations include flat water paddling, racing, surfing, whitewater SUP, yoga, and fishing. Playing paddle boards does not require swimming skills, but it is important to wear a life jacket and a footrope.
"We played paddle boarding for about three hours and it wasn't as difficult as we imagined," a netizen in Beijing wrote in a post. "The next day, my thighs were a bit sore. This tested my balance ability, and I would like to go play with my friends again."
Frisbee
Frisbee was still in a relatively niche state in China several years ago, however, it started to gain much more attention from 2022 to 2023 because of young people posting their experiences on social media.
Boasting advantages like few limitations for game venues and easy-to-understand rules, the sport has triggered a craze spreading fast across cities nationwide.
Frisbee is suitable for activities such as competitions, fitness, and public leisure. It is cheap and affordable for everyone to play. The biggest benefit is that this sport can be played with anyone, even your dog.
"Before we went the ultimate way, it had become a popular game in our community and enjoyed by many. And when enthusiasts mingled, the ultimate flying disc game was on," said a 22-year-old fan Yolanda Li.
Eyeing opportunities brought by sizzling new sports, and social platforms nationwide have taken active steps to tap the market. Xiaohongshu, a lifestyle opinion-sharing social platform in China, established ties with the country's sports administration and launched the National Ultimate Frisbee League last year.
Baduanjin
Baduanjin, also known as the Eight Brocade Exercises, is an ancient health exercise that originated in China. It has become increasingly popular this year, with many social influencers sharing their exercise experiences online, believing that after practicing baduanjin, their bodies have become stronger and their immunity has been improved.
Baduanjin is a simple and easy-to-master health exercise that is suitable for various sub-healthy populations, including those who sit for long hours, have poor emotions, have spinal issues, and the elderly. It consists of eight gentle exercises, each with a specific name and associated health benefits.
"The popularity of Baduanjin among young people is increasing, especially since people spent so much time at home during COVID-19," says 28-year-old Li Jianlin, who works as a fitness content creator for Keep, one of the most popular apps for sports lovers in China, and which offers online fitness programs.
"I knew nothing about baduanjin until I saw videos of people practicing on social media platforms. The movements are very slow, like tai chi, so I naturally associated it with the kind of exercise favored by the elderly," says Huang Qian, a 28-year-old model.
She has issues with her cervical vertebrae, spleen and stomach. "I read reviews, saying that it can be helpful to these kinds of problems," she says.
"It only takes me 12 minutes to finish the eight sequences. I feel refreshed and full of energy before starting my day," says Huang, who now practices baduanjin every day.
Urban axe throwing
Have you heard of "Axe Gang"? It is a joking phrase to describe people who play urban axe throwing, which is a rapidly rising sport that's chopping its way into the hearts of people this year.
Throwing an axe requires precise coordination and focused attention. The act of hurling an axe towards a target provides a satisfying release of energy, making it a great way to de-stress and unwind.
Participants are provided with real axes and guided by trained professionals in a safe and controlled environment.
Axe throwing originated in the stunning mountain regions of Canada. A group of outdoor enthusiasts, passionate about challenging themselves and experiencing the thrill of throwing axes, envisioned sharing this joy with city dwellers.
In addition, throwing axes can also be combined with activities such as tourism and outdoor exploration, providing people with a richer and more diverse travel experience.
Land Surfing
