Shillong, October 10: A grand opening ceremony marked the beginning of the Assam Rifles 26th Senior National Wushu Championship at the Assam Rifles Sports Complex, Laitkor, today.
With support from the North Eastern Council and Wushu Association of India, the October 10-15 tournament has brought together 839 participants (588 men, 251 women) representing 40 states and other teams from across the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, chief guest and Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM said, “Assam Rifles is a force of the North East. We want to help in all aspects of life and on that basis we have taken responsibility as hosts. I’m sure this tournament will bring greater awareness of wushu in the North East.”
He added, “Hosting the championship is a major milestone for us. There are around 900 contestants and officials and I offer them a hearty welcome. I wish the players the very best and I’m sure that they will take part in a true spirit of sportsmanship. I also extend my gratitude to the North Eastern Council and am grateful to all other sponsors.”
One of the aims of the tournament is to encourage the development of the sport as well as India’s overall performance in it. Participants from here will be selected to represent the nation at the 2018 Asian Games. Among those taking part are two Arjuna Award winners as well as Pooja Kadian, who only recently won India’s first gold medal at the Wushu World Championships.
Chhattisgarh has sent the largest contingent of 44 martial artists, while Arunachal Pradesh has sent just 1. Hosts Meghalaya will be represented by 8 participants.
Competitive events will be held from tomorrow in both taolu (form) and sanshou (sparring). Sensational demonstrations of taolu and sanshou were presented in front of the assembled audience to great cheers and appreciation. Cultural programmes were also a feature of the opening ceremony.
