Chinlone is the traditional national sport of Myanmar that has been played for over fifteen centuries. It is commonly called caneball because the ball is hand-woven from rattan, which makes a clicking sound when kicked.
Unlike many modern sports, chinlone is primarily non-competitive and focuses on team cooperation. The main goal is to keep the ball from touching the ground using only the feet, knees, and head. If the ball hits the floor, it is "dead," and the team must start their routine again.
People of all ages and genders play together in a circle that is about 6.7 meters wide. The sport is meant to be entertaining and fluid, feeling more like a dance than a match.
The History of Chinlone
History shows that chinlone has been a part of life in Myanmar for about 1,500 years. Archaeologists even discovered a silver version of the ball in an ancient Pyu era pagoda.
In the 13th century, a king received a chinlone carved from ivory as a gift. He liked it so much that he ordered his courtiers to play with versions made of rattan instead. He believed playing in circles helped people bring their minds together in focus.
The king believed playing in circles helped people bring their minds together in focus. This led to the game's famous slogan: “Compromise, Consensus, and Equality”.
For centuries, it remained a casual pastime for royal amusement and physical fitness. It was played in both villages and royal courts as a way to stay healthy.
After Myanmar gained independence, formal rules were written in 1953 to help define the national culture. This was done to protect the sport and turn it into a recognized national treasure.
Historians believe the game is related to ancient sports like China's cuju and Japan's kemari. It may have even influenced the creation of "footbag" or "hacky sack" in the Western world.
How It Differs from Football
Many people compare chinlone to football because both involve kicking a ball, but they are very different. In football, the goal is to win by scoring more than the other team. Chinlone, however, has neither winners nor losers in its traditional form.
Chinlone is built on style and elegance rather than just beating an opponent. It is a fusion of sport and dance where the difficulty of the moves is what matters. Some of the hardest moves involve kicking the ball behind the back while looking away.
While football uses a large ball filled with air, chinlone uses a light, hollow rattan ball. Players have six specific contact points on their feet and knees to control it.
In a typical game, one player goes into the center of the circle to perform a solo dance. This person is often called a "Minta," or prince. The other players support the soloist by passing the ball back with a single touch.
Moreover, chinlone is often played to the sound of a traditional live orchestra. An announcer often calls out the names of the moves and uses witty wordplay to entertain the crowd.
The Unique Spirit of the Game
Chinlone is unique because it requires a level of concentration similar to Zen meditation. Serious players enter a focused state of mind known as jhana where they are totally in the moment. This intense focus means their minds cannot wander, or the ball will drop.
The sport is also incredibly inclusive compared to many other physical activities. It is common to see elderly people in their 80s playing alongside young children. Both men and women often play on the same team together in the circular style.
Women also have their own special style called tapandaing, which is a solo performance. They perform amazing tricks like spinning umbrellas or balancing on chairs while kicking the ball.
