Having a ball

When Li could juggle a ball hundreds of times in a row, he started practicing other skills such as side-flicking and "chest down".

Li is now able to juggle a ball with his foot over 10,000 times in a row.

Linzi district has been promoting the ancient game at the campuses of each primary and middle school. Cuju moves have been adapted into dances and morning exercises.

Teaching students cuju techniques is a part of Li's job.

"Students show great interest in playing cuju, which encourages me to promote the ancient sport," says Li.

During the World Cup in Qatar, Li gave a demonstration of cuju at a China-Qatar youth exchange activity held in Doha. He led Chinese and Qatari youth players, wearing traditional cuju costumes, to experience the ancient game and see for themselves the similarities and differences between cuju and modern football.

"As soon as we started, many football fans gathered around us. When we demonstrated the different moves, they cheered for us and gave us the thumbs-up," says Li, adding that many people were curious and keen to interact with the cuju players.

"Cuju, the ancient Chinese game, has gone beyond sport. It has become a platform to enhance exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations," says Yu.