NAIROBI, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Despite his small frame, eight-year-old Peter Murigi impressed the audience in Kiambu, central Kenya, as he leapt onto a podium to perform a Kungfu routine.
Murigi was among the standout participants at the fourth Kenya Wushu National Championship held Saturday, which drew 35 contestants aged seven to 22.
Introduced to Kungfu at age six by his father, a longtime practitioner, Murigi outperformed many older competitors to win a top prize.
"I like doing somersaults every time we assemble for Kungfu training in our neighborhood, and today I was determined to outshine my competitors, who were equally strong," he said, adding that the sport has boosted his physical and mental well-being over the past two years.
Since the championship was launched in 2021, it has gained popularity among Kenyan youth. At this year's event, 15-year-old high school student Emily Wanjiku impressed spectators with her precision and agility, earning a top award in one of seven categories.
Wanjiku began training at age 10, inspired by a teacher. She said Kungfu has strengthened her confidence, social skills and fitness. "I am happy and feeling great since the competition went smoothly and fulfilled my desire to win a top prize. The future of Kungfu in this country is bright, and I encourage young people to embrace the sport," she said.
Kungfu has been growing in Kenya since 2000, valued for improving health, discipline and mental alertness.
"Kungfu is growing in this country. It is like any other competitive sport, including running or football, and has even more impact since it involves jumping, rolling and handling weapons like the spear with accuracy. It is a beautiful sport," said Ngaruiya Njonge, president of the Kenya Wushu Kungfu Federation.
Njonge said the sport has also strengthened Sino-Kenyan cultural ties, as the national federation introduces the sport to primary and secondary schools as well as colleges. His son, 21-year-old Chinese language major Collins Njonge, said he embraced Kungfu after seeing its positive influence on youth.
"Since I was a child, I have seen how Kungfu helps young people stay away from drugs. That was my inspiration for embracing the art -- to change lives," he said. He also earned a top prize at the tournament.
Kungfu trainer Elvis Munyasya Mutua, who has coached for a decade and competed in regional tournaments, said the sport resonates with youth seeking an alternative to crime and drug abuse.
The sport has instilled discipline, respect and motivation among young people, Mutua said. ■
