First China-ASEAN Wushu Championship takes place in Nantong from Nov 2 to 6. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The first China-ASEAN Wushu Championship opened at the gymnasium of Nantong University on Nov 3.

The event saw the participation of over 1,600 athletes, coaches, and referees from 200 teams representing Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as the 10 ASEAN countries.

The wushu competition is co-hosted by the China-ASEAN Wushu Federation, the General Administration of Sport of China's Wushu Sports Management Center, and the Chinese Wushu Association, with the Nantong municipal people's government as the organizer.

Wushu performance at the opening ceremony. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

This event marks the first onsite wushu competition between China and ASEAN countries. It is also a cultural and sports exchange activity supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between China and ASEAN under the Belt and Road Initiative.

On behalf of local authorities, Zhang Tong, mayor of Nantong, welcomed all the event guests, athletes, coaches, and referees. She stated that Nantong is renowned as a hometown of sports, producing numerous competitive sports talents.

She noted that wushu is a brilliant treasure of Chinese traditional culture, and hosting this competition will further promote cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN. She expressed that Nantong will ensure the smooth progress of the event with the best services.

Zhang Jinfa, chairman of the China-ASEAN Wushu Federation, said that wushu, a sport that embodies toughness and wisdom, not only connects peoples of various countries but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding. This competition aims to advance China-ASEAN cooperation, allowing wushu to boost peace and development, added Zhang.