STORY: Vibrant Plateau: Tibetan young man's passion for American football
SHOOTING TIME: Earlier footage
DATELINE: June 24, 2024
LENGTH: 00:07:54
LOCATION: LHASA, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/SPORTS

STORYLINE:

Tibetan young man Gelsang Lhundrup lives a modern life in Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang.

The 25-year-old owns a coffee shop.

During his spare time, he devotes himself to his passion -- American football.

Voice on site:
"One, two, three, Khyung!"

Gelsang Lhundrup plays running back on an amateur American football team in Xizang.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"This is the life I've always pursued. I can earn a living and also follow my passion. Before the match in Chengdu, I figured we only have three training sessions left, and then we're off to the game."

He had been preparing a match to be held in Chengdu City in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Playing American football is not easy in Xizang given the plateau's low-oxygen environment, plus limited venues and training conditions.

But that doesn't stifle the enthusiasm of Gelsang Lhundrup and his fellow teammates.

They named their team Khyung, a mythical bird-like creature in Tibetan culture that symbolizes impetuous force, speed, and martial prowess.

Founded five years ago, Khyung is the only American football team in Xizang.

The team had been training hard for the match in Chengdu.

Voice on site:
"Nice play!"

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHIRE PHUNTSOG, Khyung's captain
"This is a competitive sport. It's not easy for us to come together. All we want is to win! That is our ultimate goal. Isn't it? The upcoming game against Chengdu's Pandaman team is of great significance. Let's see how China's top team plays. Okay? Let's go!"

Voice on site:
"One, two, three, Khyung!"

Chengdu Pandaman is one of the best teams in CNFL.

Playing against it was a big challenge for Gelsang Lhundrup's team.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"Though we see more players in black jerseys than in white, on the field, it's 11 men against 11 men."

Voice on site:
"Go for it! One, two, three, Khyung!"

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"I can sense the tension in the air. My adrenaline is surging."

SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): CHIRE PHUNTSOG, Khyung's captain
"I noticed that they didn't send their lead players at the beginning, but they did later. It means they didn't achieve their strategic goals set for us."

It was a hard game for Khyung.

For most of the first half, the team played defense against Pandaman's fierce offense.

With fewer substitutes, Khyung had a tougher second half.

Many players suffered injuries.

Voice on site:
"Pass. Pass. Nice try!"

SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): Team doctor
"Okay, relax!"
"You can't stand it anymore, right?"
"He can't go on today."

Voice on site:
"Carry him off."
"Stand up slowly, be careful."

SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): Team doctor
"Are you okay? Don't force it, keep your right foot off the ground."

SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"I twisted my foot. I even heard it crack."

SOUNDBITE 9 (Chinese): Team doctor
"I think it has already... Yep."

SOUNDBITE 10 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"Just tell me."

SOUNDBITE 11 (Chinese): Team doctor
"I believe it's fractured. When I gently pressed it, there was a protective reflex. The reaction suggests a fracture."

SOUNDBITE 12 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"I'm so excited to hear the sound of the match. Though I can't see it, I'm excited."

Voice on site:
"There's a touchdown."

SOUNDBITE 13 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"It seems like a touchdown. Could someone tell me more?"

Voice of GELSANG LHUNDRUP: 
"Many people dismiss our ability to play American football, claiming that we are inexperienced. Despite the doubts, our faith has never wavered. To me, American football is more than just a sport, it's our way to prove ourselves to the world."

Though they lost the game, their determination has been strengthened.

Back in Lhasa, Gelsang Lhundrup spends more time at his coffee shop during recovery.

SOUNDBITE 14 (Chinese): GELSANG LHUNDRUP, Amateur American football player and coffee shop owner
"My parents didn't like the idea when I decided to open the coffee shop or when I decided to play American football. But I understand that they just worry about me. Over time, they saw my passion and happiness when I devoted myself to the things I love. Today, even though she doesn't know the rules of American football at all, my mother always watches the live broadcast of my games."
"Today, our coffee shop Huddle officially opens. Make some noise!"

Voice of GELSANG LHUNDRUP:
"Huddle is a term in American football, meaning the action of a team gathering together. I hope my coffee shop can serve as a place to gather young people who have dreams and passions in Lhasa together to enjoy coffee, and enjoy life.
American football has changed me. I used to be a closed-off person. But since falling in love with American football, I know I need to be more aggressive on the field and get rid of my timidity."

Voice on site:
"Nice goal!"

This is the best era. The vibrant plateau blesses everyone who aspires to thrive.

Voice on site:
"Huddle, huddle, huddle! One, two, three, Khyung!"

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lhasa, China.
(XHTV)