Historic Meeting in Beijing paves the way for growth of Touch in China

The meeting on 22 May 2025 with Mr Wang Yun, President of the CRFA and his CRFA colleagues, focused on the growth of Touch in China, as well as exploring what the sport might look like should its pitch to be part of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games be successful.

Chris emphasised FIT’s commitment to work with CRFA through its Touch arm, China Touch to help grow and develop the sport at both a grass roots and elite performance level. Working together, the organisations will focus on developing China Touch’s ability to host international events, increase the marketing and promotion of the sport domestically in China and establish a pathway for player, referee and coach development.

President Wang Yun outlined CRFA’s commitment to Touch. After ten years of development, a widespread participation model has now been established, with dozens of national mass events held annually and thousands of participants. President Wang Yun stated that the CRFA hopes to deepen cooperation with FIT in the following areas:

1. First, the association will fully support Touch Football’s inclusion as an official event in the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics.

2. Second, accelerate the establishment of a training system for Touch Football referees and coaches to improve grassroots coaching and officiating levels; and

3. Third, assist the Chinese national team in participating in high-level international competitions, including the 2028 Touch World Cup in New Zealand.

Both President Wang Yun and COO Chris Simon agreed that as a sport combining competitiveness and inclusivity, Touch Football’s mixed-gender format and low-contact nature highly align with the International Olympic Committee’s advocacy for diverse participation. They also agreed that by working together, they will further strengthen Touch Football’s cultural exchanges, building a bridge for mutual learning between China and other nations.

The landmark meeting has laid a solid foundation for deepening bilateral sports cooperation and propelling the international development of Touch Football, with both the CRFA and FIT committed to accelerating the sport's growth in China and jointly enhancing its global influence.