In line with one of UTAR’s pillars of education — Physical and Mental Health — the university recognises that sports and recreational activities are an imperative part of a well-balanced lifestyle and integral to a well-rounded collegiate experience. Therefore, with the aim to inspire UTAR students to learn beyond the classroom, the UTAR National Wushu Open Championship 2016 was successfully held at Kampar Campus from 12 to 13 November 2016.
From left: Wong, Chin, Prof Choong, Ch’ng, Au, Pang and Cheng officiating the championship
Held for the second year running, the championship which saw more than 200 participants was initiated by the Perak Non-Islamic Affairs Unit, and organised by the UTAR Kampar Campus Wushu Club with technical support from the Wushu, Dragon, and Lion Dance Federation of Perak.
This year, the championship saw a total of three events, namely the sanda and taiji tuishou as well as the traditional taolu, which was introduced for the first time. The championship was aimed to introduce Wushu to the public as a form of martial arts. Apart from that, it also aimed to raise the standard of Wushu and to enhance networking between Wushu enthusiasts from other universities and associations, as well as to exchange knowledge and expertise on Wushu.
The two-day championship was divided into four categories — Junior Male (age 15 to 18), Senior Male (age 19 to 35), Junior Female (age 15 to 18) and Senior Female (age 19 to 35). The taiji tuishou was open to both males and females aged 15 and above while there was no age restriction for traditional taolu. On the other hand, the sanda event was open to both males and females and were categorised based on different weight categories.
Administrative Officer of Non-Islamic Affairs of Perak Ch’ng Teng Leong represented the guest of honour, Perak State Executive Council Member Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon, to officiate the opening ceremony.
Also present at the opening ceremony were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Vice President of Wushu, Dragon, and Lion Dance Federation of Perak Au Kam Thin, Sanda event Head Judge Chin Kin Thong, Taiji Tuishou event Head Judge Cheng Chen Fuk, Traditional Taolu event Head Judge Wong Wai Leng, Advisor of UTAR Wushu Club of Kampar Campus Lee How Chinh, Co-Advisor of UTAR Wushu Club of Kampar Campus Lee Yu Jen and Organising Chairperson Pang Li Wen.
In his opening speech, Ch’ng enthused, “On behalf of Dato’ Mah, I would like to congratulate the organising committee for making this UTAR National Wushu Open Championship a success. It’s also heartening to see that UTAR students not only excel in academics but also are proactively involved in sports and other fields which make them well-rounded individuals.”
He added, “Sports and physical education is essential to the early development of children and the skills learned during physical education and sports contribute to the holistic development of young people. Through participation, youngsters learn about the significance of fundamental values such as honesty, teamwork, respect for themselves and others. It also provides a platform for youngsters to learn how to deal with competition and to cope with both winning and losing. These learning aspects highlight the impact of physical education and sports on a child’s social and moral development in addition to their physical skills and abilities.”
Prof Choong said, “On a mission for excellence in the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and expertise, UTAR always emphasises on nurturing the holistic development of the individual. Today’s wushu championship not only provides the students a platform to showcase their talent in martial arts, but also enhances their appreciation for Chinese culture, develops their soft skills especially in building confidence and discipline, boosts students’ interpersonal skills, and encourages the habit of lifelong learning. These are valuable learning opportunities outside the classroom which students should acquire as part of their education in the university. I hope the experience will encourage all students to be better achievers and contributors to society.”
Wushu Club Advisor Lee said this year’s championship was expected to draw more participants with the introduction of the traditional taolu event. He added, “Due to the standardisation of Wushu with only the sanda and taiji tuishou competitions found at international championships, many have forgotten about traditional Wushu. Hence, this is one of the efforts on our part to promote traditional Wushu.”
UTAR National Wushu Open Championship 2016 Organising Chairperson Pang added, “On behalf of the organising committee, we would like to thank all the parties who have supported and sponsored in the organising of this meaningful event. Through this event, we truly hope that we will be able to promote Wushu to the public. We believe that the sportsmanship and spirit of Wushu culture will convince you to practice them in your daily life for better health.”
The two-day championship was a hard fought tournament among all the teams. Nineteen out of 26 participants in the UTAR Wushu team won a total of 26 medals — two gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze.
The gold medallists were Foundation student Lee Yon Qing and Environmental Engineering student Yee Li Zheng in the Men’s Junior sanda event under 70-kg and in the Men’s Open sanda event above 95-kg respectively. The silver medallists were Industrial Engineering student Chua Wee Li, Chemistry student Kelvin Lau Ching and Biomedical Science student Loke How Wai in the Men’s Traditional taolu event under 30 years old; Biotechnology student Lim Yee Jin in the Women’s Open sanda event under 52-kg, Entrepreneurship student Hoe Jun Jian in the Men’s Open sanda event under 52-kg, Logistic and International Shipping student Chua Ling Wen in the Men’s Open sanda event under 52-kg, Psychology student Yaw Kah Yipp in the Men’s Open sanda event under 52-kg and Entrepreneurship student Danny Cheong Zian Zern in the Men’s Open sanda event under 52-kg.
The bronze medallists were Business Administration student Yap Peggy in the Women’s Traditional taolu event under 30 years old, Master of Science student Ng Wen Guang in the Men’s Open sanda event under 60-kg, Electronic Engineering student Tan Li Kar in the Men’s Open sanda event under 70-kg, Marketing student Choong Wing Onn in the Men’s Open sanda event under 75-kg, Entrepreneurship student Wee Chuan Chiu in the Men’s taiji tuishou event under 65-kg, Financial Economics student Lum Yong Sheng in the Men’s taiji tuishou event under 80-kg to 85-kg and Business Information Systems student Wong Weng Keen in the Men’s taiji tuishou event 85-kg.
The UTAR National Wushu Open Championship 2016 was sponsored by a generous assortment of businesses and philanthropists.
Athletes at the oath taking ceremony
Ng (in black) thrashing his opponent
UTAR athletes Yap (top) and Wee Li (bottom) during their traditional short weapon taolu routine
Traditional taolu sparring competition in progress
Sanda participants after the prize giving ceremony
Taiji Tuishou judges and athletes
Taolu judges and athletes after the prize giving ceremony
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