Chinese martial art Wushu goes to Jaffna

Wushu Federation of Sri Lanka (WFSL), the Government controlling body for Wushu under the Ministry of Sports and Movement ‘Wushu for Youth Development and Peace’ will take Wushu to Jaffna and Northern Province for the first time in the history.  

A special three-day Training Program will be held from 2 to 4 June at the Jaffna Hindu College Gymnasium with the participation of 300 Northern Province’s Youths aged between 12 years to 25.

The training program will be under the direction of Sifu. Manel Dharmakeerthie who is the Secretary General of Wushu Federation of Sri Lanka, Secretary General of South Asian Wushu Federation, Technical Committee Member of Wushu Federation of Asia and Member of the Marketing and Development Committee of International Wushu Federation.

He is also an “A” Grade International Wushu Judge and Referee with a credit of judging at 2008 Beijing Olympics, three Asian Games, five World Wushu Championships, five Sanda World Cups and an International World Games.

He will be assisted by Sri Lankan National Taolu Coach Ruchira Bodinagoda, Assistant ‘Taolu’ Coach Buddhi Dunstan, National ‘Sanda’ Coach Kapila Sabhapathi and assistant coach Saman Bandara Illankoon.

Apart from the six National Wushu Players also will attend the Special training program. On 2 June a Wushu film will be screened with the assistance of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka. Wushu, known as Kung-Fu in Western world and means Martial Arts, originated in China some 3000 years ago. It is man’s first creation of martial arts using his scientific knowledge. Wushu has two sections for competitions. The routine event of Wushu is called Taolu and the Combat Event of Wushu is called Sanda. Wushu was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1987 and WFSL was formed in 1993.

It is the 44th registered sport of Sri Lanka. WFSL took steps to introduced Wushu to South Asian Games for the first time in Sri Lanka in 2006 at 10th SA Games held in Colombo and became joint champions with India winning 10 medals [four Golds, two Sivers and four Bronze] out of 12 events held.

Preparations are under way to participate in the 12th SA Games to be held in New Delhi, India in February 2013.

Best performers in the Northern training camp will be absorbed to National Wushu Pool for the selection trails, WFSL Secretary said. Those interested in participating in the Training camp can contact Ruchira Bodhinagoda on 0715351910 or M. Ilampreyan of the Physical Education Department of University of Jaffna on 0773405978 or Arul on 0714220002 [email- [email protected]]