Iran chinlone team ranks second in Asia tournament

Iran’s men’s national chinlone team has finished second in the second edition of Asian Chinlone Championship & Sepaktakraw Friendly Match in Myanmar.

The Malaysian outfit landed in the first position at the end of the competitions at the Jade Pagoda in Amarapura township.

The Iranians, who were making their debut at the tournament, finished second, and were followed by Singapore and Sri Lanka’s teams.

Chinlone is the traditional sport of Myanmar, and a combination of sport and dance. A team of six players pass the ball back and forth with their feet, knees and heads as they walk around a circle. One player goes into the center to solo, doing various moves strung together.

The soloist is supported by other players, who try to pass the ball back with one kick. When the ball drops to the ground, it is dead, and the play starts again.

Chinlone players use six points of contact with the ball, which are the top of the toes, the inner and outer sides of the foot, the sole, the heel, and the knee.

The game is played barefoot or in chinlone shoes that allow the players to feel the ball. The typical playing circle is 6.7 meters in diameter. The ideal playing surface is dry and hard packed dirt.

The second Asian Chinlone Championship & Sepaktakraw Friendly Match was held in Myanmar from February 16 to 19, 2016. National teams from 12 countries, including Iran, Malaysia and Singapore, participated in the tournament.

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