Secretary-general of Chinese Wushu Association Cheng Huikun stated on June 7 that China's General Administration of Sport and International Wushu Federation (IWUF) are exerting more efforts to enable Chinese martial arts to showcase its fascination at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Cheng said as the cradle of martial arts, China has dispatched personnel to undertake martial art performances and exchanges in 60-odd nations in five continents in recent years, which not only promoted Chinese national cultural heritage but also enhanced international friendship. Presently Chinese martial arts already prevail in Europe, the US and other areas. Chinese martial arts become more attractive to foreign martial art fans for its unique functions that combine body building, skilled offense and art appreciation.

Chinese Wushu Association chairman Li Jie used to say that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has control on the destiny of martial art development, and China must now make full preparation for it. Chinese Wushu Association spares no effort in all aspects. It has examined and approved the new regulations of martial art skills and competition, in order to reach the required indexes set by IOC in new items. Cheng said that new rules have higher quantitative degrees of an athlete's performing movement, difficulty, quality and performing standard. In addition, the costume, music, venue and equipment must accord with the convention in international competitions so as to maximize the charm of martial arts and catch the eyes of global spectators.?

(Chinanews.cn June 9, 2006)