Xinjiang: Where Athletes Forge Bonds on and off the Field
Xinjiang has become a hub for international sports, welcoming athletes from around the world to compete, train, and build lasting relationships through a series of international training camps and invitational tournaments. More than just fostering athletic excellence, these events are key for cultural exchange and are boosting the regional economy.
Gaining Experience and Building Camaraderie through International Training Camps
The Autonomous Region’s Sports Bureau has organized numerous international training camps covering disciplines like wrestling, boxing, judo, track and field, and the winter sports. These camps provide athletes from countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with access to world-class facilities and training paradigms.
For Sonhar Selik, a local wrestling athlete, participating in a judo training camp with his Kyrgyz counterpart underlined the power of these events to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.
“We are rivals on the field, mentors and apprentices in the training camp, and good brothers in life,” Selik remarked, noting the inspiration he found in the rigorous training regimen of Msha Shabudan Beyev from Kyrgyzstan. This sentiment is echoed by coaches and athletes participating in international wrestling and judo training camps, where seasoned professionals from China and other countries share techniques, strategies, and foster a spirit of friendly competition.
Beyond developing skills, these camps encourage cultural exchange and friendship. Selik exchanging gifts and exchanging conversation about training methods with Beyev highlights how these interactions bridge divides.
Inspiring Athletes through International Competition
The thrill of competition fuels athletes’ passion for their sport, and Xinjiang is providing platforms for athletes to showcase their abilities. The inaugural Central Asian Indoor Track and Field Invitational Tournament drew athletes from six countries, creating a fierce yet sportsmanlike competition among participants.
Nurmaimaiti Turak, a coach for the track and field event, observed a noticeable boost in training intensity among his athletes after competing against international talents. Coaches from participating countries used this event not only for competition but also fostered discussions on training methodologies, demonstrating the deeper impact such events have in the global sports community.
The 2024 “Sports Lottery Cup” China Xinjiang International Boxing Invitational Tournament fostered a similar atmosphere, drawing athletes from Central Asia and further afield to compete against Chinese boxers. Haratibek Zhumangulav, a senior referee from Kazakhstan, hailed the event as a high-quality exchange.
For participants like Zhu Jianhao from Guangdong, China, these global competitions are invaluable, providing exposure to new opponents, coaching styles, and a different perspective on athletic preparation.
Sports Tourism – Scoring a Win for the Region
The success of these international sporting events goes beyond the athletes and audiences in attendance. Admired by events and athletes lavish praise for the quality facilities and welcoming environment of Xinjiang.
The “Belt and Road” International Youth Boxing Exchange Conference invoked enthusiasm not only on the boxing ring but also in the enthusiastic crowds filling the stands.
The influx of athletes and visitors has translated into tangible economic benefits for Xinjiang. Ma Huanhuan, a representative of Horgos City’s Culture Bureau, highlighted the positive impact these events have on local businesses. As a strategy, the region aims to develop these sporting events as trademarks, attracting more visitors to experience not only top-tier sporting action but the culture and hospitality of Xinjiang.
Xinjiang’s success lies in fostering an environment where athletic competition and cultural exchange flourish, creating a winning formula for athletes, spectators and the region itself.
What motivated Sonhar Selik to participate in the judo training camp in Xinjiang?
## Interview with Sonhar Selik
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Sonhar. Xinjiang has been hosting international sports events lately, and you participated in one. Tell us about your experience.
**Sonhar Selik:** It was a judo training camp with athletes from Kyrgyzstan. Initially, I was nervous because of the language barrier and cultural differences. But once we started training, the passion for wrestling overcame everything.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned training with Msha Shabudan Beyev from Kyrgyzstan. What was that like?
**Selik:** Msha is an incredible athlete. He pushes himself to the limit and his dedication is truly inspiring. We shared training methods, pushed each other to improve, and even exchanged gifts. It wasn’t just about judo – we built a genuine friendship [1].
**Interviewer:** It seems these training camps offer more than just physical development.
**Selik:** Absolutely. We learned from each other, not just about techniques but also about our cultures. It showed me how sport can transcend boundaries and unite people.
**Interviewer:** Xinjiang is becoming a hub for international sports. What’s your message to young athletes from around the world?
**Selik:**
Come to Xinjiang. Experience the incredible training facilities, challenge yourselves against top athletes, and most importantly, make lifelong friendships. [1]
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sonhar, for sharing your story.
