Kickin' it: chinlone to feature at Brazil World Cup

Kickin' it: chinlone to feature at Brazil World Cup

By Phyo Wai Kyaw and Aung Ye Thwin   |   Monday, 15 July 2013

A Brazillian film crew has been in Mandalay to shoot a documentary about Myanmar chinlone in preparation to show it as part of the opening ceremony of the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

The popular Myanmar sport, chinlone, will feature at the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

The Brazilian crew shot the Waso Chinlone Festival on July 5 which was held at the Chinlone Stadium, near the city's iconic Mahamuni Pagoda. They have further plans to film other themes concerned with the "round thing" in four other countries.

U Pyay Sone Myint, joint secretary of the Myanmar Chinlone Federation, said the concept of chinlone is centred on the players supporting each other, a perfect analogy for what the film crew were trying to do during their shoot, and also an important message for the World Cup.

"The documentary can help pitch Myanmar chinlone around the world," he said.

"They will provide explanations of how chinlone is played as a group, solo and also the details about the production of the chinlone (rattan ball)."

He said the film crew, who called themselves "Pindorama", will also film the sepaktakraw in Thailand, cycle-ball in Germany, head-ball in Brazil and Gaelic football in Ireland to promote the games using the "round thing".

U Kyaw Thein, secretary of the Waso Chinlone Festival, said it's the first time in his tenure that he's seen this much international attention on the sport.

"This is the first time during my ten years as secretary that the world wants to know about chinlone," he said.

The chinlone festival is a two-month-long event, beginning in May and ending on July 23 this year. Almost 1600 chinlone teams are taking part in competitions throughout the festival.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/kickin-it-chinlone-to-feature-at-brazil-world-cup/