Chinese martial arts and fitness practices have proved popular among foreign participants at the recently-concluded second Traditional Sports International Festival in southwest China's Yunnan Province, with the activities lauded for promoting physical well-being and fostering cultural exchanges among people worldwide.
The festival took place from Friday to Monday in Kunming, capital of Yunnan, and saw more than 700 participants from 27 countries and regions competing in four events: the martial art of Wushu, also known as Kung Fu, the elegant fitness ritual of Qigong, the Chinese chess game known as Go or Weiqi, as well as the colorful and energetic dragon and lion dances which are often associated with festive occasions. Qigong, characterized by its slow movements, and Wushu were the two events that particularly attracted overseas attendees, with many believing these sports could enhance health and promote friendly cultural exchanges for those who traveled to China for the sports festival.
"My father practiced Qigong (for) a very long time, and for our family, it's very important. Unfortunately, I practice not so long, but I'm happy because I have some problem with my health, and this practice helps me, and maybe for four years, my health very (much) changed after practicing Qigong," said Kristina Sterlikova, a member of the All-Russian Qigong Federation.
The sports festival, which saw its second edition taking place in Yunnan, provided participants and spectators with the opportunity to not only enjoy the events but also deepen their understanding of the rich and extensive traditional Chinese sports culture.
Mexican martial artist Daniel Benjamin Corona Aguilar hailed how the event brought people together from all across the globe.
"I think the most beautiful thing about Wushu is that it involves a lot of different things together in one. It is a sport, but it is also a culture, it is also friendship, it is also getting to know more people. You know in Mexico, we say Wushu is from China, but it also belongs to us. So, I think Wushu is a way to unite cultures, right, unite people from Mexico, from China and from many other places around the world," he said.
Chinese martial arts, fitness prove popular among foreigners at traditional sports festival in Yunnan
