China-Gambia deepens relations via Kung-Fu show & festival

The event involved various communities in The Gambia, and at the end, the Kanifing Municipality secured first position in the Kung-Fu national competition, North Bank Region second position whilst West Coast Region claimed third position. Participants were awarded certificates signed by His Excellency Ambassador Liu Jin.

The occasion, held at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium on Saturday, 14 February 2026, created pleasant excitement as participants displayed outstanding kung-fu activities.

 The occasion witnessed other performances, such as the dragon and lion dance, opening song “We the Chinese”, live Band Ecstasy, Drum Solo Flex Fuzion entertainment, singer Mr Yuan Weihao of the Chinese Embassy, Flex Fuzion performance, and open Tai-Chi demonstration of Gambia Chinese Kung-Fu Wushu Federation.

Other activities included regional group Taolu Competition (KMC and West Coast Region), the Chinese Dance “Peach Blossom Smile” by the Chinese Residents Association in The Gambia (CRA Gambia), Ms Gambia Fashion Show, with other competitions such as Nan Quan boys U12 and Nan Quan Girls U12.

Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Liu Jin of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Gambia, Deputy Ambassador ZHAO Shangsen, described the significance of the event, saying it is in line with the Chinese Spring Festival. It is also the national tournament for the Chinese Kung-Fu and Wushu, he stated: “This is a big event for China according to Chinese Lunar calendar which is similar to what you celebrate here as (Tobaski) national day celebration.”

Referring to the upcoming celebration of the Gambia independence, he said President Xi Jinping has extended his best greetings and congratulations to President Adama Barrow ahead of the independence.

This year will also mark the resumption of diplomatic ties between The Gambia and China, he stated:  “I can see that we have a very cordial relations between our two heads of states and between our two countries and we are now strategic partners.”

He added: “So what we need to translate this diplomatic partnership, and cordial relationship is to do something on the ground. This is exactly what we are trying to do by supporting events like this today.

“We do consider this event a significant move to fostering the understanding between our two peoples at the very basic, community, grassroots, city level.

“So, we need to do more to have the understanding of the people and work together as friends in The Gambia, both at the government to government, regional, as well as the community level.”

Alieu Bah, president of Kung-Fu Wushu Federation, said the event played a key role by bringing people together, as it promotes the year-to-year exchange between China and Africa.

Mr Bah said that since he became president in 2022, the federation has gained numerous achievements, including participating in international competitions.

Ebrima Manneh, Stadium manager, who represented the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stated that they have consistently highlighted sport as a course for discipline, national unity and economic empowerment. And the sports ministry is committed to supporting all sporting disciplines, he added.