Chinlone, Myanmar’s national sport, has seen its practice and growth severely damaged by the civil wars currently enveloping the country. At the same time, the availability of rattan—crucial for constructing Chinlone balls—is declining. Yet this vibrant sport has a rich history that dates back nearly 1,500 years. It is the country’s most popular sport and an important part of Myanmar’s national identity.
Historically, Chinlone has evolved over centuries. As early as 1953 Myanmar adopted regulations for their sport, including a scoring system. This major development was an attempt to determine and express the nation’s national identity, shortly after the nation’s independence from Britain. Chinlone’s codification showed that despite a period of isolation, there was still a willingness to cling to something that widely contributed to the nation’s identity.
Shwe Pa, a master Chinlone ball maker. A testament to the artistry of making these globes. It can take up to two hours to produce each ball, a reflection on the time-consuming process that produces such a high-quality product.
“We check our chinlone’s quality as if we’re checking diamonds or gemstones,” – Pe Thein
However, despite this commitment to high-quality standards, premium quality rattan from Rakhine state is getting harder and harder to come by. This Chinlone shortage is a major threat to the cultural survival of Chinlone. Maung Kaw makes these balls and takes home around $2.40 per ball. All of this brings into stark focus the economic realities that artisans must contend with in this space.
The cultural importance of Chinlone goes beyond just the creation. Min Naing, a 42-year-old Chinlone player, feels that keeping this tradition alive is crucial.
“No one else will preserve Myanmar’s traditional heritage unless the Myanmar people do it,” – Min Naing
On top of it all, the game is a great space of comfort for players. Win Tint, a 74-year-old Chinlone player, explains how engaging in the sport can provide a temporary escape from life’s troubles.
“Once you get into playing the game, you forget everything,” – Win Tint
While Chinlone is a team sport, individual performance is equally impressive. Women in Myanmar display their astounding skill while playing solo Chinlone. They miss the ball tens of thousands times in one practice — a beauty and grace on the stage that speaks to the art of the circus.
Recent archaeological discoveries only amplify the importance of the sport throughout history. A French archaeologist recently discovered a duplicate silver Chinlone ball inside a pagoda written from the Pyu period– between 200 BC– 900 ADVERTISEMENT. This finding adds to Chinlone’s historic ties to Myanmar’s cultural heritage.
