NANTONG (China): Fifteen national wushu athletes are among the 1,500 exponents vying in the first ASEAN-China Wushu Championship here, starting tomorrow until next Wednesday in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wushu Federation of ASEAN-China president Datuk Chong Kim Fatt stated that the inaugural tournament held at Nantong University aimed to further strengthen sports diplomacy between the 10 ASEAN countries involved, as well as give exposure to wushu athletes. He emphasized the significance of this event as a “connecting bridge” that brought participants to Nantong to enhance sports diplomacy.
Chong, who also serves as the Wushu Federation of Malaysia (PWM) president, highlighted the presence of Olympic gold winners and world champions from various sports in Nantong, indicating potential opportunities for learning and development in sports, including wushu. Among the male wushu athletes participat
ing are Clement Ting Su Wei, Lee Ron, Mok Xiao Yuan, Muhammad Danish Aizad, Si Shin Peng, Tan Zhi Yan, and Wong Zi Hong. In the women’s category, athletes include Lee Jia Rong, Tan Cheong Min, Mandy Cebelle Chen, Sydney Chin, Kwan Yong Xin, and Pang Pui Yee.
Kim Fatt also noted that the tournament provides opportunities for university students and clubs to engage, symbolizing the long-standing friendship between the involved nations. The opening ceremony of the tournament will be attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh and Chinese Olympic Committee vice-president Yu Zaiqing.