IOC President and Honorary President for Life Attend Wushu Taolu Finals at the 15th National Games in Nansha

The wushu taolu competition of the 15th National Games concluded on November 10 at Nansha Gymnasium in Guangzhou. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and IOC Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach visited the venue in the morning and afternoon, respectively, accompanied by officials from the General Administration of Sport of China. During their visits, they interacted with gold-medal athletes and the event organizers.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry Visits Nansha

In the morning, Coventry met with the event organizers. Zhang Yuping, Director of the Wushu Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, presented her with a hand-painted portrait. Coventry then watched exciting contests in men’s jianshu (sword) and women’s daoshu (broadsword), and met with gold medalists Tong Xin and Li Jianming. The two champions demonstrated fundamental techniques of taijiquan and nanquan (southern fist), impressing Coventry with movements that blended power and grace.

In an interview, Coventry said she found the wushu competition in Nansha “absolutely spectacular,” praising the athletes’ elegant yet dynamic routines. Speaking about the international development of wushu, she noted that the sport will make its official Olympic-stage debut at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, adding, “Bringing Chinese martial arts to the African continent is truly exciting.”

At the event, a Nansha district leader presented Coventry with a traditional Xiangyunsha (cloud-silk) shawl—recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item and often referred to as “soft gold” for its natural craftsmanship. Coventry expressed her appreciation for the gift and its cultural significance.

Coventry also shared her impressions of the National Games’ opening ceremony, calling it “an eye-opening spectacle that brilliantly blended culture, technology, sports, and aesthetics—almost encompassing everything of our era.” She described Guangzhou as a vibrant city, adding that during her two-day stay she met many inspiring people and thoroughly enjoyed her time in the city.

IOC Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach Visits Nansha

In the afternoon, IOC Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach attended the competition at Nansha Gymnasium, presented awards to the winners, and interacted with four champions—Yao Yang, Chen Huiying, Liu Dewen, and Yang Yalin—who showcased jianshu (sword), nangun (southern staff), taijijian (Taiji sword), and changquan (long fist). Bach chatted warmly with the athletes about their disciplines, hometowns, and competition experience. When Yang Yalin expressed his desire to compete at the Olympic Games, Bach smiled and encouraged him to take part in more events and strive for even better results.

“Today in Nansha, I witnessed an outstanding wushu competition. All the teams performed exceptionally well—there’s no better way to experience Chinese martial arts than at the National Games,” Bach said. Noting that this was his third time attending China’s National Games, he remarked that each edition has been better than the last. He also praised China’s growing role in the Olympic Movement, saying it greatly helps unite the world through sport.

After the award ceremony, a Nansha district leader gifted Bach a bamboo-woven hat featuring distinctive Lingnan elements. After listening to the introduction, Bach examined the hat with interest, happily tried it on, and posed for photos with the media.

(Text: Luo Ruijuan, Qi Huawei, Li Xiatao | Photos: Liu Wei, Wang Minjie, Luo Zhongxian)