The middle-aged man laughed out loud with all the excitement of a child at play. "I don't know how this happened!" exclaimed Munshi Faiz Ahmad.
You'd never have guessed it but the diminutive man in high spirits was actually Munshi Faiz Ahmad, the Bangladesh Ambassador to China.
The reason for his jubilation was that he had just won first prize in tai chi at the 6th Friendship Competition of Ambassadors and Madams on Knowing Chinese Culture.
The Dongsi Olympic Cultural and Sporting Center in Beijing had attracted 35 diplomats from 18 countries to a competition to test their kungfu skills.
Nor was this a frivolous lark. All had undergone a month-long training course conducted by esteemed master Zhang Li. For many, it was the first time they had practiced tai chi but Zhang announced: "They all made rapid progress."
It made the victory all the sweeter for Munshi Faiz Ahmad, a year after he was appointed his country's Ambassador in Beijing.
He said he had often seen people practicing tai chi. "They practiced along with music in the parks. I was quite interested but I didn't know how to do it," he said.
"As a sports fan, I thought of learning it many times but I didn't approach them or ask them to teach me. This time I finally got the chance."
The ambassador immediately announced that he would teach his daughters when they come to China.
 "And I will proudly show my award to all my friends and relatives," he gushed. "I used to see others do it but now I can do it as well. I will definitely continue to practice it."
Brunei Ambassador Mrs Magdalene Teo was named the player with most potential. The ambassador said that in tai chi she had found a new way of keeping fit and calm. "Tai chi is a peaceful sport which keeps one healthy," she said.
"The gestures are so soft and graceful. The important thing is that it keeps people balanced and at peace."
Columbia's diplomatic couple, Federico Perez Botero and Carolina Villegas Carvajal took away the Best Action award with their elegant tai chi poses. Botero called the competition the most interesting experience in his life.
"This activity offers us a good opportunity to know more about unique Chinese culture and show off our talent," he said.
To further strengthen the understanding of Chinese tai chi, diplomats from 42 embassies will also go to Handan this weekend, the birthplace of tai chi, to attend the 11th International Tai Chi Festival and Competition.
"It is so exciting to attend one of the biggest tai chi events in the world and to get a personal experience of the local culture," said Kuwaiti Ambassador Faisal R.AI-Ghais.
The Friendship Competition is an annual event organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, aimed at promoting communication between diplomatic envoys and enhancing their understanding of Chinese culture.
(China Daily October 17, 2008)
|
|
