The Brunei Darussalam wushu team in a group photo prior to their departure to Brisbane. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The Brunei Darussalam wushu team is competing in the Oceania Kung Fu Wushu Invitational Championships taking place in Brisbane, Australia from May 21 to May 25.
The tournament is being held in support of efforts to include wushu as an official sport at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Brunei sent a delegation of seven athletes and two coaches, led by head coach Li Hui and women’s coach Zhao Chunjie.
Among the athletes, Basma Lachkar is competing in Tai Chi and Tai Chi Sword, while Adi Salihin is contesting the Nanquan and Nangun events. Walid Lachkar is taking part in Changquan and Daoshu, while Lauren Emily Chua Yu Qing and Emilia Chua Yee Qing are both competing in Tai Chi and Tai Chi Fan.
Meanwhile, Meagan Marie Keasberry is featuring in the 42-form Tai Chi and 42-form Tai Chi Sword categories, while Qayden Yii Ming Yi is competing in Changquan and Daoshu.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Brunei coach Li Hui said, “We hope that through this event, more people will see the power and beauty of wushu, and that we can contribute our part to bringing wushu to the Olympic stage in Brisbane as soon as possible.”
Despite the small size of the Brunei contingent, the team arrived well-prepared and delivered strong performances in both routines and weapon events, displaying commendable team spirit and competitive form.
Around 190 athletes from 13 countries are showcasing their skills at the championships, making it one of the region’s largest wushu events in recent years. The competition has attracted athletes from across Oceania, as well as neighbouring countries and Commonwealth nations.
According to the organising committee, the tournament not only serves as a platform for athletes to sharpen their skills and exchange experiences, but also carries the important task of demonstrating wushu’s artistic and competitive value to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In 2021, the IOC confirmed wushu as an official sport for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, a significant milestone in the sport’s push for Olympic inclusion. – JAMES KON
