Chen Li (L) of China in action during the women's lacrosse preliminary match against Britain at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, August 7, 2025. (Tao Xiangan/Handout via Xinhua)
CHENGDU, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese women's lacrosse team made a historic debut at The World Games 2025 on Wednesday, despite a 24-2 loss to Britain in the opening round of the preliminaries.
The British squad dominated from start to finish, building a commanding 15-0 lead by halftime. In the second half, Zou Kexuan and Chen Li each scored for China, but the team struggled to challenge the British goalkeeper further.
"It's a great honor to score China's first-ever goal at The World Games, but it was a team effort," Zou said.
According to head coach Xiao Xiao, the team is made up of 12 players aged 18 to 33 from across China, most of whom are college students. The squad held a three-week intensive training camp in Shanghai before arriving in Chengdu.
"This is the first time we've formed a national team and faced top-level international competition. It's a valuable opportunity for us to learn," Xiao said.
Athletes greet each other before the match, August 7, 2025. (Tao Xiangan/Handout via Xinhua)
"Lacrosse in China is still in its early stages, unlike in Europe and North America, where the sport has a long history," Zou added. "But I was thrilled to see so many fans in the stadium today. I've seen the sport gradually gaining popularity in China, and more people are beginning to appreciate its charm."
After the match, British player Anna Neville found Zou in the mixed zone and shared a warm embrace. The two were teammates - as was Anna's younger sister - at Downe House School in Britain.
Now three years older and playing internationally, Neville said she has followed Zou's development closely.
"It's amazing how far she's come. She's fast, fearless and has unique skills. She's definitely an asset to Team China," Neville said.
China will face Japan on Friday. Japan lost to Canada 20-5 earlier in the day.
Only women's sixes lacrosse is featured at the Chengdu World Games. China qualified automatically as the host nation, while the other seven teams - including the United States and Canada - rank among the sport's global elite.
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