XI'AN, China, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China's 2023 National Finger Pinball Tournament kicked off at Jingkai No. 3 Middle School in Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Thursday.
During the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, a total of 190 finger pinball players from 34 teams nationwide will compete in four categories.
Originating in China, finger pinball involves bouncing small glass beads with fingers on a special table. It is also a new member of international boccia sports family.
Thanks to promotions by Chinese players in recent years, the sport has formed a relatively complete development, training and competition organization system.
This sport has now entered school campuses and is enjoyed by many youngsters.
Zheng Hongbao, executive headmaster of the host school, told Xinhua that Xi'an Jingkai No. 3 Middle School has been promoting boccia since 2020, and now they have three teams participating in national competitions.
"The sport has entered over 20 primary and middle schools in Shaanxi, and is warmly welcomed by students and their parents," said Liu, adding that finger pinball can help develop intelligence and cultivate team spirit.
"This sport itself has a wide span and is fit for all ages to participate in," Liu said. "We look forward to seeing more tournaments and hope more people can enjoy it." ■
