Yichang claims inaugural Chuchao title with 2-1 home victory over Wuhan

By Gao Qing

Yichang Dongyangguang claimed the inaugural Hubei City Football League (Chuchao) title with a 2‑1 comeback win over Wuhan Huagong Technology. The final took place at Yichang Olympic Sports Center on November 8, drawing a record‑breaking crowd of 35,906.
 

Players of Yichang Dongyangguang pose for a group photo ahead of the final.

Wuhan’s No.21 Li Shanke opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Yichang’s No.79 Wu Di leveled the score in the 50th minute, before Yichang’s No.55 Fan Xiaobin netted the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

Launched in April, the league ran for eight months, with teams representing all 17 prefecture-level cities across Hubei Province. Developed as locally established sporting event supported by multiple provincial authorities, it follows a "One City, One Team" principle. Most players are amateur enthusiasts from all walks of life, taking to the pitch to represent their home communities. Former professional players who have been retired for at least one year are also eligible to participate.

Designed to be accessible for the public, the league seeks to lower the barriers for spectators and link sports with cultural and tourism development. As part of China’s National Fitness Initiative, it has generated widespread enthusiasm across the province since its launch, sparking strong public interest in city‑based football.
 

Fans wave flags and cheer for the home side in the stands.

Dedicated fan groups created original chants and cheering songs, while drummers rallied supporters throughout the stands. Yichang also arranged pre-match performances and provided transportation guidance for attendees. Many fans travelled from other parts of Hubei to watch the final.

Beyond the trophy and record attendance, the final showcased the energy of community sports and Yichang’s vitality as a host city. Many local residents became loyal fans through their support for the home team.