China flags Olympic intent

On home turf in Chengdu, China's women's flag football team concluded its first-ever World Games appearance with an overall sixth-place finish on Sunday morning.

The squad faced a strong lineup of opponents, including the United States — which was, naturally, ranked No 1 by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) — fourth-ranked Austria and sixth-ranked Canada.

It's an impressive final placement, given the scale of the challenge faced by the team — which delivered some commendable performances — and the fact that it was only formed just under five months ago.

China only narrowly lost to Austria 45-47 in its opening match on Aug 14, and went on to defeat Japan 28-22 in Saturday's semifinal of the fifth place playoffs — a notable victory against the 2024 IFAF Women's Flag Football World Championship bronze medalist.

Vanita Krouch, an experienced US flag football quarterback, admitted they had no prior expectations for China's team due to the complete lack of available game footage. However, after firsthand observation and competing against the Chinese, she admitted to being thoroughly impressed by their performance.

"They look really good. Their football fundamentals are strong: routes, throws, catches, speed — plus creative trickery. They're learning the language of flag football and not just football. It's been really fun to watch them," she said.

"I've played in multiple world championships, and China has not been represented yet. And so, to see them come out on this global stage, hosted right here in their home country, is amazing."

Krouch, growing up playing soccer and basketball, picked up the sport after graduating from college. She quickly found that the skills and agility she gained from playing soccer and basketball transposed themselves well into flag football's dynamic gameplay.

"The other thing I really love is how empowering it feels, as a woman, to play a sport we mainly see men play, but we do just as great at," she added.

The Chinese team's journey began with tryouts in early April, followed by intensive training in Qinhuangdao, Hebei province, which only started in June, culminating in the selection of 12 players to compete at the Chengdu World Games.

Among the selected 12 players stands 27-year-old quarterback Feng Haolin — a testament to the team's grassroots origins.

A biotechnology graduate from Shanghai Ocean University who once worked at a sports media company, Feng discovered flag football in 2021 and has played for a club in Beijing since then.

Her flag football journey nearly ended in March 2022 when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a game.

"That was the quietest period of my life," Feng recalled.

"The physical limitation was agonizing. I couldn't sleep, constantly frustrated by losing control of my body."

Just as she completed rehabilitation, the national team trials were announced.

"I knew this might be my only chance to become a real athlete in the sport I love," she said.

"I had to seize it."

From recreational player to the national team, Feng felt the weight of expectation.

"I constantly feel everyone's eyes on me during games," she admitted.

The pressure didn't stop her from shining in China's debut match against Austria at the World Games, though, where she delivered four touchdown assists from the quarterback position.

Her performance drew praise from opponents, with Austria's defensive back Sophie Spitzer acknowledging: "She had really nice throws."

Led by a coaching trio including US three-time world champion Patrick Alley, the newly formed national team brings together athletes from seven provinces, many with backgrounds in sprinting, taekwondo, and other explosive sports.

"They're taking it up quickly — they work really hard, there's no lack of effort," Alley observed.

"We're trying to compress everything into just a couple of months, so if you give them about a year, they're going to be really good."

Regarding tournament expectations, coach Alley acknowledged the Chinese team's rapid improvement, while noting it still requires more competitive experience compared to established programs like the US and Canada. He emphasized the need for sharper execution and disciplined fundamentals moving forward.

With flag football's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the debut of China's women's team at the Chengdu World Games, the sport is inspiring enthusiasts across the country.

"Flag football is perfect for beginners," said Zheng Yujiang, a Chengdu-based flag football enthusiast.

"It's easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to meet people. That's why it's gaining popularity in cities across China."

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn