Across China: Goethe's faustball revitalized in China

Members of a faustball team pose for a group photo with Sonke Spille (4th L, back), head of events at the International Fistball Association (IFA), in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Oct. 24, 2024. (Xinhua)

CHENGDU, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Jin Dong, 23, may have never read "Faust," but he's among the first to play faustball on the Chinese mainland.

A physical education (PE) teacher at a middle school in Chengdu, capital of southwest Sichuan Province, Jin took up the centuries-old European sport last September, when the mainland's first faustball team was founded in the city.

He, along with several other PE teachers, became the key players of the team. "It was something new, and I was curious to find out what it was," Jin recalled of his first encounter with the sport. "The field looks a bit like a football pitch, and the gameplay feels somewhat like volleyball. I gave it a try with a few colleagues, and it turned out to be a really exciting sport."

Faustball, also known as fistball in English, is most popular in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

In 1786, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer known for his poetic drama "Faust," mentioned a fistball match between four noblemen from Verona and four from Venice in his travel diary "An Italian Journey."

"Sonke Spille told us the story of Goethe and fistball during our training," Jin said.

Spille, head of events at the International Fistball Association (IFA), visited Chengdu's Tianfu Park in April last year, the venue set to host fistball matches during the 2025 World Games this summer. He returned in October to provide hands-on training for the players, accompanied by Gastao Englert, Chair of the IFA Sports Commission.

"It's my pleasure to have training with the Chinese players. It's a great session. They made steps about everything we talked about," Spille said.

Chengdu has established itself as a rising sports metropolis, having hosted major international events such as the 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup, the 2023 World University Games, and the 2022 World Team Table Tennis Championships. This August, it will host the 2025 World Games, introducing Chinese spectators to a range of non-Olympic sports such as fistball, many of which are making their debut on the local scene.

"The Chinese mainland's first fistball pitch meeting international standards will be completed by the end of June at Tianfu Park," said Pu Yan, head of the communication department of the sports park, adding that the facility will also include training grounds and a spectator stand.

"The park will become as a lasting legacy of the event, with the pitch continuing to serve fistball games after the World Games," he said.

Built on a vast expanse of lawn, Tianfu Park is a prime spot for leisure sports enjoyed by the residents. Recently, the local administration has added more sports facilities to enhance the experience. The park will also host the rock climbing event for the 2025 World Games.

"I believe that the World Games will allow more Chinese people to know about fistball," said Feng Cheng, head coach of the Chengdu fistball team.

"The World Games will introduce many new sports to China. Diversity is an important part of sports culture, and the Chinese people are always open to new experiences and eager to embrace new sports. More sports also create greater opportunities for cultural exchange and communication," Feng added.

Fistball was featured as a demonstration sport at the 1924 Paris Olympics and became an official competition sport at the World Games in 1985. At the 2025 World Games, fistball will make its debut on the Chinese mainland.

"Fistball does not have a high technical threshold and is suitable for men and women of all ages. I believe anyone between 20 and 60 years old can enjoy playing it," Jin explained.

The German fistball team won the World Games title in 1985, 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001. The Chinese team, however, will not compete at the 2025 World Games on home soil.

"It's a pity that our team won't have the chance to compete in the World Games, but we still have chances to participate in test matches and friendly games," Feng said.

"Some of our players have also been invited to serve as assistant referees at the World Games," said Jin. "This is a valuable opportunity for them to be involved in the event."

Feng noted that schools and associations from other provinces, including Fujian and Guangdong, have contacted them with hopes of introducing fistball to more cities across China.

To boost the sport's popularity, challenges related to venues and equipment, especially the ball, will need to be addressed.

"There are alternative options for pitches. Volleyball or badminton courts can also be used for fistball," Jin said, adding that obtaining the appropriate balls in China is challenging. "Currently, we use balls brought over by Sonke from Germany."

Chengdu has long been renowned for its trendy lifestyle, high quality of life, and passion for sports. Fans of the city's football team passionately chant club songs, with videos often going viral on social media. In the old alleys of downtown, visitors can find a Manchester United fan club as well as Belgian and German beer pubs.

Jin believes it is only a matter of time before fistball gains popularity in China.

"Like Frisbee, air volleyball, and flag football, fistball is another team sport with strong social aspects, and it will increasingly attract young people," Jin said. ■

Members of a faustball team play during a training in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Oct. 24, 2024. Faustball, also known as fistball in English, is most popular in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

In 1786, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer known for his poetic drama "Faust," mentioned a fistball match between four noblemen from Verona and four from Venice in his travel diary "An Italian Journey." (Xinhua)

Members of a faustball team play during a training in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on April 27, 2025. Faustball, also known as fistball in English, is most popular in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

In 1786, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer known for his poetic drama "Faust," mentioned a fistball match between four noblemen from Verona and four from Venice in his travel diary "An Italian Journey." (Xinhua)