By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Kung Fu Wushu Federation, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, took centre stage on 14 February as it hosted the 2026 Chinese Kung Fu Show and Spring Festival at Serrekunda East Park.
The event featured the grand finale of the National Kung Fu Wushu Championship, bringing together top athletes from across The Gambia in a celebration of youth talent, discipline, and cultural exchange.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ebrima Manneh emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting all sporting disciplines, noting that while football often dominates attention, combative sports like Kung Fu play a critical role in fostering discipline, national unity, and economic empowerment.
He highlighted on-going efforts to improve facilities for athletes and encouraged stakeholders to continue investing in all sporting disciplines.
Deputy Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Shangsen, praised the partnership between China and The Gambia, noting that the event strengthened people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding at the grassroots level.
He underscored the significance of celebrating both the Chinese Spring Festival and The Gambia’s 2026 National Independence, marking a decade since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Alieu Bah, President of the Federation, highlighted the achievements of Gambian athletes on the international stage, including top finishes at the Shaolin competitions.
He expressed hope that continued government support would allow more young athletes to compete globally, while also elevating national pride in diverse sporting disciplines.
The national championship concluded with Kanifing Municipality emerging as the overall champion, followed by North Bank in second place, and West Coast taking third.
The results reflected the strength of regional talent and the success of the Federation’s nationwide competition structure, which ensured representation from rural and urban areas alike.
The event also featured vibrant cultural performances by the Chinese community in The Gambia, showcasing traditional music and martial arts demonstrations. Organizers and officials alike hailed the festival as a milestone for youth empowerment, sports development, and bilateral cultural exchange, reinforcing the Federation’s role in putting Gambian combative sports on the national and international map.