On the afternoon of August 1, a football match took place at Yanzigang Stadium in Guangzhou to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Nepal. Football players from both countries took to the field, taking sport to celebrate the enduring friendship.

Bharat Raj Paudyal, Consul General of Nepal in Guangzhou, noted that this sports event holds particular significance because sports have a unique power;  they transcend language, culture, and borders. It brings people together, builds lasting friendships, and fosters a spirit of unity. He hopes this event serves as a reminder that the friendship between Nepal and China is not only a matter of policy; it lives in the hearts of people, continuing to move forward together, united in shared values and common purpose. 

Lin Yanfen, Deputy Director General of the Administration of Sports of Guangzhou Municipality, highlighted Guangzhou’s strong ties with Nepalese cities, rooted in years of exchanges in trade, tourism, and culture. “As a pilot city in China’s reform and opening-up, Guangzhou values people-to-people connections. Through today’s match, we hope to deepen our cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding through the unifying power of sport,” she said.

The game featured a friendly contest between a Nepalese team, which consisted of Nepali residents in Guangzhou, and a team representing the Guangzhou Football Association. The match attracted a lively crowd of local residents and members of the Nepali community, who cheered passionately from the stands. After a closely fought game, the Guangzhou team emerged victorious with a 2–1 win.

Looking ahead, Paudyal noted the vast potential for future collaboration in sports and beyond, especially in the context of upcoming events, such as China’s 15th National Games. He expressed hope that both sides would continue to explore new avenues for cooperation, deepen ties in the sports industry, and build even stronger people-to-people connections.