Children at the First Cross-Straits Taekwondo Communication Match

On Aug 12, the first Cross-Straits Taekwondo Communication Match closed after two days of competition in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, Fujian province. Three winners were chosen from the competition.

In all, 702 players from 50 teams participated in the games. The competition was divided into four games, demonstrating player's potential (individual, mixed doubles, and group), competitiveness, stunt performance (individual, group) and Taekwondo dance skills.

Xu Wenshan, a contestant from Taoyuan county in Taiwan, won first prize in the women's youth-group contest.

She said, "In the past, we have no chance to communicate with contestants on the mainland. This match provides us a platform to make friends in competition. I am appreciative of that."

Most of the judges come from Taiwan Normal University. "We hope this platform can promote cross-Straits exchanges in Taekwondo. With geographic advantages between Pingtan and Taiwan, the event is such a good exchange and cooperation platform for martial arts," said Jiang Li'an, president of the Taekwondo parents' committee at the university.

Jiang also noted that the International Taekwondo Competition will be held in Taiwan next year. At that time, he hopes to see more Pingtan players in the competition.

"With games attracting Taekwondo lovers, a new opportunity for cross-Straits sports communication will be created. I hope this event can be held on a regular basis and attract more Taekwondo lovers from both sides of the straits," said Wu Heyi, general manager of the Fujian Chengzhong Taekwondo Training Institute.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai