Huang Zihao, another new member, said the interview from Wuhan No 68 High School was put online this year because of the pandemic. "Cheerleading makes me happy and gives a strong sense of achievement, especially after I perfect a difficult movement," he said.

Li Xin, chief coach of the school's cheerleading team, said those new students, compared with previous members who joined the team with no previous experience, showed a high efficiency in practicing.

"It's a sport which combines power, beauty and teamwork, and is suitable for men too, though some of them may feel shy at the beginning," Li said. "Men can do movements that need power such as lifting, which plays an important role in the performance."

He said all the new sports reserve students need to practice every day. After graduation, they can choose to undertake cheerleading-related majors at college.