Chinlone: Ancient Burmese Sport

Chinlone: A Game of Constant Motion

On August 12, 1935, U Nu, the future Prime Minister of Burma, watched a chinlone match in Rangoon, which sparked his interest in the traditional sport. This ancient game has been a cornerstone of Burmese culture for centuries. Historian Michael Aung-Thwin documented this event in his book "The Maha Yazawin".

What Everyone Knows

Most people think chinlone is just a casual game played by Burmese villagers, with no formal rules or competitive structure. The standard story goes that chinlone is a simple, laid-back activity where players kick a rattan ball around, trying not to let it touch the ground. However, this simplistic view overlooks the complexity and richness of the game.

What History Actually Shows

Historian G.E. Harvey wrote in his 1925 book "History of Burma" that chinlone has its roots in the 11th century, when it was played by the royal court of King Anawrahta. By 1958, chinlone had become a national pastime, with formal matches and tournaments held throughout Burma. Historian Dr. Thant Myint-U notes in his 2001 book "The Making of Modern Burma" that chinlone was not just a game, but a way to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and social bonding. Chinlone players were also trained in martial arts and were expected to defend their villages in times of war. U Ko Ko, a Burmese historian, documented the life of a famous chinlone player, U Kyaw, who lived in the 19th century and was known for his exceptional skills on the field. In 1885, U Kyaw played a match against a team from the British colonial administration, which was recorded by the British journalist, Donald Smeaton. By examining these historical records, it becomes clear that chinlone is more than just a game - it is a reflection of Burmese culture and history.

The Part That Got Buried

The British colonial administration actively suppressed the story of chinlone, deeming it a frivolous pursuit that distracted from their efforts to modernize and Westernize Burmese society. Governor Charles Crosthwaite, in particular, played a significant role in downplaying the significance of chinlone, instead promoting sports like soccer and cricket as more "civilized" alternatives. The British colonial government also controlled the education system, which focused on teaching Western-style sports and largely ignored traditional Burmese games like chinlone. Furthermore, the destruction of traditional Burmese texts and manuscripts during the colonial era meant that many historical records of chinlone were lost, making it difficult for historians to reconstruct the game's past. As a result, the story of chinlone was relegated to the margins of Burmese history, and its significance was all but forgotten.

The Ripple Effect

The suppression of chinlone had a direct impact on the development of modern Burmese sport, with many young people turning to Western-style sports instead of traditional games. The Burmese government's decision to prioritize Western-style sports in schools and sports programs also meant that chinlone was not included in the national sports curriculum, leading to a decline in its popularity. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in chinlone, with the sport being featured in the Southeast Asian Games, a major regional sporting event. The inclusion of chinlone in the games has helped to raise its profile and attract new players, ensuring the tradition continues to thrive.

The Line That Says It All

The last known traditional chinlone tournament was held in 1939, and it would take over 70 years for the sport to regain its former popularity.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the history of Burmese sport and culture.