Athletes from 27 countries and regions compete in Kunming to learn traditional Chinese sports

On October 18, the Second International Traditional Sports Exchange Competition opened in Kunming, China. With 723 athletes from 27 countries and regions participating, the event features competitions in traditional Chinese sports, including martial arts, health qigong, Go, and lion and dragon dancing.

The opening ceremony took place at Haigeng Dam in Kunming, where athletes experienced “Dajia,” a traditional dance form from Yunnan, as part of the festivities. This marks the second time the competition has been held in Yunnan, and it has seen an increase in international participation compared to the previous event. Out of the 723 competitors, 353 are from overseas, hailing from a diverse range of countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, Germany, Canada, Mexico, India, South Korea, and Japan.

This year’s event not only continues to showcase martial arts, health qigong, and Go but also introduces lion and dragon dancing—a sport with significant influence overseas—adding a layer of artistic appeal and entertainment to the competition.

The opening ceremony featured a traditional dragon and lion eye-dotting ritual. Athletes from various countries were captivated by performances that included lion and dragon dances, Peking opera, martial arts, and ethnic dance and music from Yunnan—immersing them in a fusion of traditional Chinese culture and athletics.

Wei Daishun, director of the Sports Exchange Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, highlighted in his speech that traditional Chinese sports embody the history and culture of the Chinese nation, serving as a bridge connecting China to the world. The event aims to foster skill exchange, cultural sharing, and mutual understanding among lovers of traditional Chinese sports globally.

The significant increase in international participants at this year’s event reflects the unique appeal and competitive strength of traditional Chinese sports. Lin Hao, a participant from Canada, noted that an increasing number of Canadians, beyond the Chinese community, are becoming interested in martial arts, qigong, and lion and dragon dancing. These ancient sports are seen as carriers of dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations.

Notably, the event takes place in Yunnan, a region rich in ethnic culture and traditional sports heritage. Alongside competitive events, activities such as lion and dragon dance performances, traditional sports exhibitions, and interactive cultural experiences will be held at Guandu Ancient Town, one of the birthplaces of Yunnan culture.

This competition is organized by the Chinese National Sports Federation in collaboration with the Foreign Sports Exchange Center of the General Administration of Sport, the Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Kunming Municipal People’s Government.