In the sun-drenched fields of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a new generation of female athletes is rewriting the playbook for sports ambition. Three under-15 football players from Kashgar Prefecture – Munawar Aihemayti, Kadirya Sulayman, and Subinur Aziz – recently revealed their aspirations to join the Chinese national team during an interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Shen Xiang.
From Local Fields to National Dreams
The girls' passion for football began in childhood, nurtured by Xinjiang's growing sports culture that has already produced male stars like Behram Abduweli and Imran Memet. 'I want to wear the national team jersey and represent China in international competitions,' said Aziz, a student at Jiashi County No. 4 Middle School.
Grassroots Growth
Football development programs at schools like Bachu County No. 3 Middle School have created pathways for young talent. Sulayman emphasized their training discipline: 'We practice six days a week, studying both football techniques and tactical theories.'
As regional authorities continue expanding sports infrastructure, these determined athletes embody Xinjiang's evolving role in China's athletic landscape – proving that geographic boundaries need not limit sporting ambitions.
