YOU have probably  seen them by the  roadside, especially in the evening; a small circle of Myanmar, deftly passing, kicking or knocking a small, hard ball to each other. They’re playing caneball, one of the most popular of Myanmar’s traditional sports. In Myanmar the caneball is called a chinlone, which indicates that it is made of flattened strips of cane. Caneball has been a popular game for generations, although it is difficult to say exactly when it started. Some historians believe it may have begun about 1200 years ago in the era of the Sirikhettra Pyu civilisation that flourished in the area centred around the present-day city of Pyay. Evidence supporting this belief was discovered when the Archaeological Department excavated an old brick building near Hmawzar, where the Pyu civilisation began. Artefacts discovered at the site included some Buddha images, jewellery and a small chinlone made of gold. Archaeologists have also found evidence of caneball during the reign of King Bagan (AD 1200-1208), in the form of an ivory chinlone presented to the monarch by a Thai sculptor.

King Bagan was an enthusiastic sportsman and the gift is believed to have inspired him to urge his attendants to invent a ball woven from hard strips of bamboo and toddy palm fronds. The monarch was delighted with the invention and allowed his young attendants to play caneball in the grounds of his palace. The link between King Bagan’s invention and the Thai sculptor’s gift is probably no accident. A form of caneball is a popular game in Thailand, and also in Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Since 1928, a chinlone competition has been played every year during the Waso ceremonies at the Maha Myatmuni (Great Buddha) image at Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay.  After the ceremony is completed, the players prepare a playing area outside the temple grounds. They play in teams of five or six members, to the accompaniment of a traditional Myanmar saingwaing (orchestra). At this year’s 73rd anniversary of the event, 25 games, each lasting 35 minutes, were played until midnight for two days.  There was a sensation at this year’s event because of the inclusion for the first time of a foreign team. The five foreigners played to the accompaniment of the Shwe Gantgaw Saingwaing (Golden Flower Orchestra) and the cheers and applause of an appreciative audience. For the first day’s play, the foreigners chose the team name ‘The Mysterious Ball of Mandalay,’ and the next day played as the ‘The Five Zawgyis (Alchemists).’ The team’s members were from Australia, Canada and the United States. Their performances were recorded by a foreign television crew, so it is likely that overseas audiences try to learn more about chinlone in the near future. The Myanmar form of caneball has become a traditional sport, closely linked to the national culture. Caneball is an excellent form of exercise, demanding physical strength, agility and a quick mind. The object of the game is not to drop the ball. The head, shoulders, thighs, knees, ankle joints, elbows and arms (but not the hands) are used in dexterous ways to pass the ball around the circle. Because of the skill needed to play the game well, caneball has come to be regarded as one of the performing arts.  The game may be played with two to 10 players, who share the responsibility. Caneball sessions are a great way to create friendships, respect, understanding and consideration among players.  In the past, some elderly players claimed that becoming adept with the chinlone could build up a player’s physical, mental and moral strength. In their opinion, chinlone is as precious as a ruby.