Traditional cane ball sport

The second most popular sport in our school is Chinlone (cane ball). Cane ball is a traditional sport activity and is considered the national sport of Myanmar (Burma). Cane ball features a handwoven rattan ball and is similar in skills to games like hacky sack. It is considered both a sport, and a traditional cultural performance.

There are two methods to play Chinlone. The first one requires 6 players and play around the circle. The players pass the ball back and forth using their feet, knees, and their heads as they walk around a circle. The second method also required six players, 3 players each side with a net between them like badminton. Like the first one, the players use their feet, knees and their heads to pass the ball to the other side. But the second method is the most popular in our school. We rarely play the first method as it is much harder to play.

The students here usually play Chinlone between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Even though both boys and girls can play it, it is most popular among boys. School girls rarely play cane ball in our school. We play cane ball here for fun and for our health. Unlike football, it is not a very competitive sport. So there are no cane ball competition among migrant schools.