Feature: Drums beat on as grassroots football returns to Rongjiang after devastating floods

The return of China's Village Super League after a month-long pause due to severe flooding in Rongjiang has symbolized the county's rapid recovery and showcased the community's extraordinary resilience.

GUIYANG, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Under the blazing sun, the roar of football fans returned to Rongjiang County's stadium as China's Village Super League, also known as Cun Chao, resumed after a month-long pause due to severe flooding.

Among the sea of cheering fans stood 61-year-old Yang Minggang, pounding a massive drum and grinning widely. "Look," he said, striking the drum with pride, "our spirit, confidence and hope are all back."

Yang, a longtime local football fan, has become something of a legend in the Cun Chao scene. He was one of the tournament's first cheerleading drummers in 2023, rallying the crowd in support of his son's team.

The return of grassroots football felt even more meaningful following the hardships Rongjiang has endured. In June, the county in southwest China's Guizhou Province was hit by two catastrophic floods. The stadium was submerged, the artificial turf destroyed, and the stands collapsed. Yang's home, located in one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods, was inundated by nearly seven meters of water.

When the flood alarm sounded, Yang quickly secured his prized drum in a neighbor's house, since the narrow staircase in his own home couldn't accommodate it. The drum, deeply symbolic for Yang, represents his enduring passion and dream for football.

In the wake of the disaster, the people of Rongjiang united. Players, cheerleaders, commentators and fans of Cun Chao joined emergency responders in rescue and clean-up efforts.

"Cun Chao has brought joy, better livelihoods and stronger cohesion to us," Yang said. "Everyone treats protecting Cun Chao as their own responsibility."

Like thousands of other residents, Yang helped clear mud, haul debris and support neighbors in rebuilding. "Wherever there's a need, I'll go," he said-echoing the same spirit he brings to every match with his thunderous drum.

That resilience was on full display July 26, when the newly repaired stadium hosted a gratitude-themed reopening ceremony to honor volunteers, first responders and citizens who helped the county recover. The event drew more than 180,000 tourists to Rongjiang in a single day, generating nearly 190 million yuan (about 26 million U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue.

Once again, Yang was front and center, his drum echoing through the stands as he cheered on his son's team. "Cun Chao isn't just football," he said. "It represents the passion and unity of the people of Rongjiang." ■