As the 2025 Chengdu World Games draw to a close, athletes from around the globe are seizing their final moments to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Sichuan's capital. Irish racquetball players Jonathon O'Keeney and Aisling Marie Hickey, accompanied by Chengdu Media Group's Zhang Chenmeng, recently traded their sports gear for culinary exploration at the iconic Yulin Market.
The trio sampled Bo Bo Ji, a fiery Sichuan delicacy featuring skewered chicken, vegetables, and black fungus bathed in mouth-numbing chili broth. 'It's like a flavor explosion – hot but addictive,' O'Keeney remarked between bites, while Hickey praised the dish's textural harmony.
No visit to Chengdu would be complete without panda memorabilia. Hickey triumphantly secured a plush panda she'd been eyeing since arrival, telling Sports Scene's Mike Fox: 'This little guy perfectly captures Chengdu's spirit – playful yet deeply connected to tradition.'
The cultural exchange highlights how major sporting events like the World Games create opportunities for global connection. As Zhang noted: 'Through food and symbols like the panda, we share stories that transcend language barriers.'
With the Games concluding Sunday night, participants leave with more than medals – they carry home tastes, memories, and fuzzy ambassadors of Sichuan's rich heritage.
