Though Wushu's Youth Olympic Games debut is two years away, the Chinese Kungfu has already enjoyed high popularity in Senegal as well as in Africa, said Mamadou N'Diaye, President of Senegalese National Olympic and sport Committee.
In an interview with Xinhua at the headquarters of the International Wushu Federation here in Lausanne, N'Diaye said the traditional Chinese sport has attracted over three million people in 39 African countries.
The President introduced that Senegal has a very active national federation of Wushu and many good athletes. "Senegal hosted the African Wushu Championship in September last year and many Senegalese athletes won medals." he added.
"I'm very happy to share Wushu with Chinese people," The President told Xinhua that their aim is "to get all the people in Africa be interested in Wushu."
The President said they expect the inclusion of Wushu in Dakar 2022 Youth Olympic Games may enchance the cooperation between China and Senegal as China has rich experiences in hosting international sports events.
"In China, I saw how they changed 'Water Cube' to 'Ice Cube', I was deeply touched by what I saw."
"I think China's preparations for the Beijing Olympi Winter Games and the experiences of hosting Nanjing Youth Olympic Games are valuable references to us." N'Diaye said.
"We may encounter some difficulties in the process of preparing for the 2022 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, Chinese experts can come to Senegal to share with us their valuable experiences."
The IOC Executive Committee confirmed on Wednesday to add Wushu to the sports programme of Dakar 2022. It is the first time that Wushu will be officially included in Olympic competitions.
