Young foreigners get their kicks in Gansu

LANZHOU — After taking third place in the Pigua Quan event, Altayeb Abdallah waved to the crowd while stepping onto the podium at the first China-Dunhuang International Wushu Open in Northwest China's Gansu province on Oct 13.

The 24-year-old Sudanese student is majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Lanzhou Jiaotong University. For Abdallah, wushu has become a way to experience Chinese culture and connect with people from different backgrounds.

The inaugural China-Dunhuang International Wushu Open concluded on Oct 15, drawing about 2,000 athletes from more than 140 teams representing over 20 countries and regions.

Abdallah began learning martial arts after enrolling in the university in Lanzhou.

"It was a new experience for me, and I was happy to have the opportunity to participate and learn something different," said Abdallah, adding that the award would motivate him to continue improving his martial arts skills.

Located on the edge of the Gobi Desert, Dunhuang is an ancient oasis city that once stood at a crossroads of the Silk Road. Its Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserve centuries-old Buddhist murals and sculptures dating back to the fourth century.

"I've learned the importance of discipline, patience and hard work through martial arts in this ancient city," Abdallah said, noting that the event also gave him a chance to make new friends and learn more about Chinese culture.

As China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) calls for expanding high-level opening-up, cities along the Hexi Corridor, including Dunhuang, have sought to strengthen international ties through people-to-people exchanges, trade and economic cooperation.

Fifteen-year-old Hoang Minh of Vietnam, who has trained in martial arts for about nine years, said this was his first international competition.

"I just enjoy my stay in this ancient city during the martial arts open and learn more about martial arts and Chinese culture," he said.

Shen Zhengang, deputy director of the Martial Arts Sports Management Center at the General Administration of Sport of China, said the Dunhuang event combined martial arts with Silk Road culture while providing a platform for international exchange.

"For me, the experience of the martial arts open was not only about winning a prize but also about challenging myself and making good memories," Abdallah said.

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