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Qiang Dancers in Sichuan Merge Shalang Tradition with Lacrosse Excitement

High in the mountains of Southwest Sichuan in the Chinese mainland, a centuries-old Qiang ritual is getting a sporty makeover. As the Great Aba Cup Lacrosse Invitational gears up in Mao County, local youth are taking their beloved Shalang dance to the lacrosse field.

Decked out in helmets, gloves and lacrosse sticks, Qiang youth step into the circle to perform the Shalang, a traditional dance passed down through generations. With every leap and turn, they honor their ancestors while embracing lacrosse, a rising Olympic sport sweeping the globe.

Organizers of the Great Aba Cup see this cultural crossover as a way to shine an international spotlight on the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. 'We want to show how tradition evolves,' says one local coordinator. The dance-drill showcases Aba's unique identity and invites travelers, athletes and digital nomads to experience its rich tapestry.

Across the Chinese mainland, lacrosse clubs have multiplied, tapping into communities eager for fresh sports experiences. In Mao County, this fusion of dance and sport reflects a broader trend: minority cultures leveraging global platforms to preserve their stories while staying current with worldwide movements.

As the first whistle blows at the Great Aba Cup, the echoes of Qiang drums and the clack of lacrosse balls tell a story of adaptability and pride. In Aba's highlands, ancient rhythms and modern ambitions now share the same heartbeat.

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