Embracing Growing Global Charm: Jiangwan Stadium Sees Foreign Players Vie with Vigor June 12,2024
Recently, the 4th Shanghai Citizen Games presented a breathtaking international sports event. Shanghai Foreigner Fitness Series: China Rugby Association Cup 10s & "Shanghai Cup" 10s Open took place at Jiangwan Stadium.
This event brought together elite rugby players from around the world, including 12 Chinese and foreign teams such as SRFC Silver Dragons, Jinhua Chiefs and Shanghai Jianfan. These players are from countries such as the UK, France, New Zealand, Germany, Australia and Japan, who are permanent residents in China, as well as local elite from the Yangtze River Delta, including Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu.
The unique charm of rugby has attracted innumerable fans who appreciate the thrill of sports. On the green field, the players fought toughly with a combination of speed and passion, coexist, strength and skills. Each brilliant pass showed great trust and teamwork, while each scored point set off an explosion of applause and zeal from the spectators. Their performance not only highlighted the unique appeal of rugby, but also reflected the spirit of fearlessness and tenacity.
After fierce competition, the Jiangsu Lions secured the title in the Men's Cup division, the Hangzhou Harlequins triumphed in the Men's Plate division, and the Giant Pandas took home the Men's Bowl crown. On the women's side, the SRFC Pink Dragons clinched the Women's Cup championship, and the Barbarians earned the top honor in the Women's Plate division.
While providing a platform for rugby aficionados from various countries to showcase and exchange their skills, the "Shanghai Cup" 10s Open further promoted sports development in Shanghai. This event evolved from 10 Sino 10s that has been successfully held 11 times. This year, it has been upgraded to the China Rugby Association Cup 10s & "Shanghai Cup" 10s Open. The event aims to build an international brand event for Shanghai in alignment with the standards of the Hong Kong Sevens, contributing to Shanghai's goal of becoming a globally renowned sports city and a hub for world top sports events.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Chinese Rugby Football Association and the Shanghai Rugby Football Association, the event's organization and services have been upgraded, and its scale and social impact have further expanded. Notably, in response to the rapid development of women's ruby in recent years, a women's rugby category was introduced to this year's competition.
On the occasion of the Dragon Boat Festival, the event featured an intangible cultural heritage display area, an interactive experiences area and a food market, enriching experiences for the competitors and spectators, and injecting new vitality into the regional economy.