Artux rallies around Xinjiang soccer competition

A total of 216 players from eight areas of Xinjiang are competing in the event. After 20 matches, 300,000 yuan ($41,300) will be awarded to the champion team, 200,000 yuan to the runners-up and 100,000 yuan to the third-placed team.

The field at the Kizilsu Kirgiz Experimental Middle School can accommodate 5,000 people and has been often filled to capacity.

Localized and grassroots sports competitions have become a trend in China in recent times due to their ability to bring communities together, promote healthy lifestyles and give the economy a boost.

In 1885, the first soccer field was built in the Artux village of Eksak. Soccer has become an important sport at primary and middle schools as part of the city's efforts to train talented young soccer players, according to the local government.