More than 280 martial arts athletes have assembled in the Stone Forest of Yunnan Province, vying for a place on the national team bound for the 20th Asian Games. The 2026 National Wushu Taolu Championships, which also serves as the selection event for the Asian Games, kicked off on May 11 in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming.
A total of 288 competitors from 43 teams across the country have gathered in the “Hometown of Ashima” for a four-day showdown, showcasing their skills in a high-level national martial arts competition. The event, organized by the Wushu Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Wushu Association, and the Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, is a critical step in selecting China’s top wushu taolu talent for the Asian Games.
The competition covers four main categories: bare-hand routines, short weapons, long weapons, and duels. It is not only a test of athletic excellence but also a platform to promote martial arts culture and encourage nationwide fitness.
During the opening ceremony, Yang Zhonghua, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, noted that this championship has been held in Yunnan for four consecutive years. He highlighted the province’s efforts to leverage its high-altitude advantages to build a brand as a “highland training destination, outdoor sports paradise, and year-round competition venue.” Yunnan has produced a number of outstanding martial artists who have performed well in both domestic and international events, he added, urging all athletes to compete with camaraderie and prepare for the Asian Games.
Shilin, known as the “essence of world karst” and “hometown of Ashima,” is also famous as the “home of wrestling” in China. Local officials described it as a land of sports enthusiasm where both culture and martial arts thrive. The county government expressed its commitment to hosting a successful event and inviting visitors to experience the “Yunnan lifestyle.”
