Sportswear for lacrosse is displayed at the launch ceremony of the Lacrosse Committee of China Softball Association on Dec 3. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

With lacrosse growing in popularity in China, the Lacrosse Committee of the China Softball Association was founded in East China's Zhejiang province on Dec 3, local media outlets reported.

The 2022 National Youth Lacrosse Championship kicked off the same day after the launch ceremony, participated in by a total of six teams in the U10 (under 10) and U12 (under 12) categories.

Lacrosse is a competitive sport and modern version of the North American Indian game of baggataway. As a team sport, players from opposing teams use long-handled, racket-like implements, also known as crosses, to catch, carry, or throw a ball down the field or into their opponent's goal. The goal is defined by uprights and a crossbar framing a loose net.

The sport works as a combination of football, basketball and hockey and is known as the fastest ball game played on a lawn. It not only requires good hand-eye coordination and reflexes, but also tests running speed and flexibility.

Lacrosse was first introduced to China in 1997. The Chinese national women's team claimed 19th place at this year's World Women's Lacrosse Championship in July with a record of 4-3 the best performance in its team history. The sport is also being considered for inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Teenagers play lacrosse after the launch ceremony on Dec 3. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]