BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Brunei is set to host the 10th Asia Youth Wushu Championships in August this year following a signing ceremony on Sunday.
According to a report by local daily the Borneo Bulletin, newly elected president of the Brunei Darussalam Wushu Federation Lim Boon Hwa signed on behalf of the federation while Secretary General Chan Weng Kit signed on behalf of the Wushu Federation of Asia.
National wushu coach Li Hui told Xinhua on Monday that the hosting of such a prestigious competition is beneficial to not only the sultanate's national athletes but Bruneian youth in general.
"This competition will definitely be an eye opening experience for our young athletes. It will help them improve and let them experience the quality of wushu outside of Brunei because those coming to compete are the top athletes in the region," said Li.
Brunei Wushu Federation president Lim said that the competition is the largest international competition that the federation is hosting.
"We hope that with the support from the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, government agencies and all involved parties, the championship will be a success. This will not only further develop the sport of wushu in the country but also raise the country's image," he told the Bulletin.
Some 20 to 30 countries in the Asian region are expected to compete at the event.
"I hope, through this competition, more of Brunei's youth will come to understand, like and participate in wushu as wushu is a sport that can help them lead healthier lifestyles," Li told Xinhua.
The coach went on to note that the experience gained by Brunei's athletes will be invaluable in future competitions.
"Athletes must participate in competitions because this is how they garner experience. This will help with our preparations for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The hosting of this competition is very meaningful and beneficial for Brunei wushu," he said.
This year's edition of the SEA Games will be held from November to December in the Philippines.
Despite the stiff competition, coach Li believes his charges have what it takes to deliver glory.
"My target for the athletes is gold. Since we are competing we must have confidence that we can win," he said.
According to the coach, Brunei will compete in all categories at the upcoming competition.
The sultanate will be represented by four athletes in both the U12 and the 12 to 15-year-old category while eight athletes will fly the flag for the country in the 16 to 18 years old category.
