After wrapping up their matches at the 2025 Chengdu World Games, Irish racquetball duo Jonathon O'Keeney and Aisling Marie Hickey traded their rackets for a mini food tour in Chengdu in the Chinese mainland. Joining them was Zhang Chenmeng from the Chengdu Media Group, who led the charge to the vibrant Yulin Market. 🎉
First stop: the legendary Bo Bo Ji (Sichuan Spicy Chicken). Picture this: tender chicken chunks, crunchy veggies, and silky black fungus all skewered on bamboo sticks and dunked into a fiery, numbing soup that packs a serious punch. The trio dug in, slurping up the bold flavors and laughing through the spice sweat. 🌶️🍢
'I've never tasted anything this spicy,' Hickey joked between bites, her eyes watering in the best way possible. O'Keeney agreed, 'It's like a flavor explosion!'
When the spice fest cooled down, it was souvenir hunting time. Hickey, on a mission, finally spotted the adorable panda plushie she'd been eyeing all week. With a happy squeal, she claimed her cuddly prize—perfect proof of their Chengdu adventure. 🐼
From spicy skewers to panda treasures, the Irish athletes got a taste of Chengdu's colorful culture beyond the court. And as they head home, they're carrying memories of flavor-packed fun and a cuddly panda sidekick. 💚
Reference(s):
Irish athletes snag panda souvenirs and spicy cuisine in Chengdu
cgtn.com
