The Uyghur American Cup, a week-long soccer tournament held in Virginia, concluded on August 11, 2023, with Uyghur United securing the championship.
Representing Uyghur communities from Los Angeles, Texas, Maryland, Boston, northern Virginia, New York City, and even Toronto, Canada, eight teams competed for the championship: Yulghun FC, Izchilar FC, Golden State Elites, Uyghur United, Maryland Uyghur FC, Canada United, Lachin FC, and BNUU.
“The soccer tournament has been serving as a unifying platform for Uyghurs in America, providing an opportunity to connect despite concerns about family persecution back home. While steering clear of politics, the Uyghur American Cup brings the community together, with many regarding the soccer matches as purely sporting events.” Tursunjan, an Uyghur United fan, told Uyghur Times
The event showcased competitive matches and highlighted the talents of the kids’ soccer and dance teams from AnaCare Uyghur School, leaving a lasting impression during the finals.
A representative of the organizing committee of the tournament, informed the Uyghur Times that the cup received widespread support and viewership from the Uyghur community. Local Uyghur businesses, such as Bostan Uyghur Cuisine, Brilliant Tires from Houston, TX, Silk Road Peace Project, and USA-ATA, sponsored the matches and their respective teams.
Students of AnaCare performed the Uyghur dance at the ceremony of the event.
