The 2024 Global Shaolin Kung Fu Exam Finals saw 144 disciples from 47 countries and regions gather in Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng, Henan province, to compete for the "2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Star" from Saturday to Sunday.
The selection process took one year, and over 20,000 Shaolin Kung Fu practitioners from 101 countries and regions participated. 2,400 participants were chosen to compete in the intercontinental competition. The winners of the "Intercontinental Shaolin Kung Fu Star" and other award recipients obtained qualification to participate in the final competition this Shaolin kung fu, boasting a history of more than 1,500 years, is a world renowned symbol of Chinese culture and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, emphasized in a previous media interview the importance of unity and exchange among participants of diverse backgrounds, promoting mutual understanding and world peace through the shared experience at Shaolin Temple.
Sabrina Avallone, 43, who came from Argentina, is also in Dengfeng for a kung fu performance tour. She has been learning Shaolin Kung Fu for six years in Shaolin Argentina.
She said, "I enjoy it. Kong Fu not only provides physical movement but also brings me a sense of energy and peace."
It is reported that statistics show there are about 100 million Shaolin disciples and Shaolin culture enthusiasts around the world. Among them, about 60 million are from overseas.