THE conferment of Chinese martial arts or commonly known as wushu, pugilistic titles on the men and women who made their mark and more so of their contributions to the sport at various levels was made more meaningful as Penang Governor Tun Dr Abdul Rahman Abbas was personally present on Oct 3 at Lot33 to award them with their medals.
The 58 recipients were awarded their medals through their involvement and glowing performances as well as recognised achievements in wushu with the Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association of Penang as their platform. Their traditional honorific titles were divided into various categories with names such as Qinglong, Huanghu, Honghu, Qinghu, Huangying, Hongying, Qingying, wu zhuangyuan, wu bangyan and wu tanhua.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was also present, noted the increased number of martial arts practitioners who gained their medals this year compared to two years ago when a similar ceremony was held.
“I can still recall the Wushu Medal Conferment Ceremony two years ago in 2016 had 30 martial artists and athletes who were awarded their medals. In only 2 years’ time, today we have 58 pugilists who are given their due recognition in wushu,” Chow said.
“It is my wish that our men and women in the world of wushu will continue to work hard in promoting the spirit of the wushu fraternity and enable the wushu, lion and dragon dance tradition in Malaysia be well known far and wide,” he added.
Also present were exco member for Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Chong Eng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Penang Sports Council director Frederic Tan Teck An, Penang State Education director Mohd Jamil Mohamed, Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association of Penang chairman Datuk H’ng Ban Choon and his deputy, Master Ong Beng Soon.
Story by Victor Seow
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud