Two students from Tangjian Central Primary School in Shuyang county, Suqian, Jiangsu compete in the Asian Jump Rope Championships 2024. [Video/China Media Group Mobile]

During the Asian Jump Rope Championships 2024 recently held in Kawasaki, Japan, 10 young athletes from Tangjian Central Primary School in Shuyang county, Suqian, Jiangsu made an impressive showing. Competing as part of the Chinese national team, the students secured a total of four gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.

Athletes from Tangjian Central Primary School win many medals during the Asian Jump Rope Championships 2024. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

Geng Jinbao, the principal of Tangjian Central Primary School, said that the school was established just over three years ago and its rope skipping team was initially formed to alleviate students' academic stress and encourage healthy exercise habits. Despite its recent inception, the team has achieved remarkable success in major competitions over the past two years.

Students from Tangjian Central Primary School stand on the podium to receive medals. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

Rope skipping, with its low cost and versatility, has become a popular sport at the rural school. Every morning during the break, students gather on the playground for skipping sessions. The entire school participates in choreographed rope routines, and each class has established its own freestyle skipping group.

In the absence of a fixed training facility, Geng repurposed the school's cafeteria's second floor into a training area. Local support came from a county sports center, which donated flooring, and the education bureau and town government helped with purchasing equipment. Professor Men Chuansheng from Suqian University was appointed as the head coach.

Chen Haoyu, a 12-year-old competitor, won two gold medals at the event. Chen said that rope skipping has bolstered his confidence in facing challenges in both academics and life, and he hopes to continue pursuing the sport, possibly even professionally in the future.

The event, which attracted over 1,000 participants from countries including China, Japan, India, Iran, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, is renowned as one of the most prestigious and influential international rope skipping competitions in Asia. The championship featured 16 events across various categories, including 30-second single rope skipping, 3-minute single rope skipping, and individual freestyle routines.