Stepping up to the plate

XINING — Under the gentle sunshine, 12-year-old Lhamo Dondre and his teammates were immersed in a session of pitching practice on their school playground. Drenched in sweat, their coach signaled the beginning of the inning.

Lhamo Dondre hails from Gonghe county in Hainan Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Qinghai province, Northwest China. Two years ago, he joined the baseball team at No 1 Minzu Boarding Elementary School in Gonghe county.

At over 3,000 meters above sea level, Gonghe county boasts lush grasslands and serene valleys. The children raised here share a unique bond with nature, with many having experience in herding.

"Whenever the sheep and cattle get separated, we toss stones to direct them, which makes our wrists and shoulders strong," explained Byambzang Gyla, Lhamo Dondre's baseball coach.

Despite his slight frame, Lhamo Dondre swings the bat powerfully. He's something of an all-rounder, enjoying pitching and batting in the "cool" baseball uniforms.

"As I get to know more about this sport, as every pitch and swing becomes more precise, I become much more skilled and confident," said Lhamo Dondre.

Besides his training schedule at school, he also practices against the wall at home during weekends and holidays.

In 2006, the Hainan prefecture's education department introduced baseball into local high schools, later expanding to middle and elementary schools.

Byambzang Gyla began teaching baseball at the elementary school in 2011 when the team was established.

Initially, some teachers were skeptical about students dedicating time to baseball, fearing it might detract from their academic studies, explained Sonam Dargye, the school's principal and president of the Hainan Prefecture Baseball Association.

However, after witnessing the positive impact of baseball on the pupils' fitness and how it broadened their horizons through participation in matches, teachers now encourage student involvement in the sport.

Recalling the debut of a national student baseball competition held in Guangdong province in 2014, Byambzang Gyla is still very proud. "Our team had a 20-0 win, it stunned us and everyone who watched the game. Since then, more local students have been inspired to take up baseball," he said.

The number of students practicing baseball at this elementary school has grown from just a few to nearly 90. Since 2011, Byambzang Gyla has coached nine batches of students, with many continuing to play in junior and senior high schools. Some have even entered university on baseball scholarships.

"Baseball requires teamwork, offers our students more options, and helps them develop a better version of themselves. I hope they can treasure this sport as a sincere friend," said Sonam Dargye.

Xinhua