Kurash Championships opening ceremony. Left to right: Commissioner Lin Teng-chiao of Education Bureau, New Taipei City; Speaker Chen Xing-jin of New Taipei City Council; President Zhang Handong of ROC Kurash Association & wife; President Carol Chou of GP DEVA Group
Cooperatively organized by New Taipei City and ROC Kurash Association and sponsored by GP DEVA Group, the 2013 Asian Junior and Cadet Kurash Championships will be held on Aug. 5 ~ 6 in New Taipei City Sanchong Gymnasium.
In the July 31 press conference, participating countries and the Taiwanese team members were announced. Attendees included New Taipei City Council Speaker Chen Xing-jin; Commissioner Lin Teng-chiao of Education Bureau, New Taipei City; President Zhang Han-dong of ROC Kurash Association; and President Carol Chou of GP DEVA who all participated in the opening ceremony.
During the press conference Commissioner Lin Teng-chiao of Education Bureau, New Taipei City, President Zhang Handong of Kurash Association, Speaker Chen Xing-jin of New Taipei City Council invited people to visit Sanchong gymnasium in support of the Taiwanese players!
This international martial arts competition has attracted 260 players from 14 countries, including Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, to participate in this intense and brilliant competition. Free admission to the competition welcoming all to cheer in support of the Taiwanese players!
Though still an emerging sport in Asia, Kurash is the traditional martial arts originating from Uzbekistan of Central Asia with 3500 years of history. With gaining popularity, the sport has already been established in five intercontinental unions throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania, Africa, and 98 member countries.
The sport was introduced into Taiwan six years ago by a group of judo coaches and the association was then established in 2007. Within a few short years, the Taiwan has increasingly excelled in the sport, winning 4 gold medals, 2 bronze medals, and the Group Championship title in last year's Asian Championships in Cochin, India. During the Uzbekistan World Classic Grand Award Competition, two coaches from Taiwan passed the intercontinental referee audition and won the right to host the 2013 Asian Junior and Cadet Kurash Championships!
Kurash prohibits ground wrestling and attacks below the waist and joints. Competition tempo is intense and dynamic, yet safe making it a worthy martial art to practice.
Players demonstrate techniques of the sport, using swift but powerful moves to highlight the special characteristics of Kurash.
Kurash style is similar to judo, but no ground wrestling or attacks below the waist and joints are allowed, so the outcome is not based on size of player. This type of martial arts is rhythmically intense, powerful, yet very safe. Kurash is a great sport to enhance strength and coordination, but most importantly, a means for self-defense.
The press conference featured players Su Shi Lin and Keya Xin who won gold and bronze medals in Korea's Incheon Asian Indoor-cum-martial Games. Also featured Zhan Hao Cheng who received bronze award in the 2013 World Classic Grand Prix. These athletes demonstrated live various techniques of the sport, using swift but powerful moves to highlight the special characteristics of Kurash. Zhang Kaifeng, an official Kurash referee stated that Kurash is a sport very suitable for the body types of the Taiwanese people, especially helping woman learn self defense.
Exiting live demonstration attracts media appeal and applause.
A martial arts expert, President Zhang Han-Dong of ROC Kurash Association holds belts in the 9th degree in Jujitsu, 7th degree in Aikido, 5th degree in Judo, and 5th degree in Iaido. His goal is to enhance the visibility of Taiwan in the international arena. The association has been actively training players for the opportunity to participate in international competitions, even hiring the national coach of Uzbekistan to come to Taiwan to train athletes, in hopes that through the sport of Kurash, Taiwan can project more brilliance on the international stage.
Secretary General Khodjini Ziyoviddin of KCA Asia League (middle) attends press conference.
Commissioner Lin Teng-chiao of Education Bureau, New Taipei City; Speaker Chen Xin-Jin of New Taipei City Council; President Zhang Han-dong of Kurash Association & wife; and GP DEVA president Carol Chou taking group photos with top Kurash players, in support to win gold medals.
GP DEVA, the official sponsor of the two-day competition, offers a “Vitality Depot” by providing players with refreshing iced Marvelous Tea and massage applications using L'Aspiration cream! Marvelous Tea is a natural herbal tea that can nourish the physical body and boost energy levels. A great summer treat that refreshes and revitalizes, while quenching thirst. The premier cream, L'Aspiration can effectively relieve aching and tense muscles through massage, and help relax the body and mind. President Carol Chou hopes that the "Vitality Depot" can help players participating in the contest to compete at their best physical condition, full of vitality and demonstrating their best performance.
President of GP DEVA encourages Kurash players Su Shi-Lin, Ke Ya-Xin, Zhan Hao-Cheng to shine in the international arena, as prized assets to the country.