A contestant showcases her talent with a tea ceremony demonstration during the Czech national qualifications for the 18th "Chinese Bridge" - Chinese proficiency competition for foreign secondary school students in Prague, the Czech Republic, June 5, 2025.(Xinhua/Deng Yaomin)
PRAGUE, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The "Chinese Bridge" language contest is not just a competition, it is "a bridge that connects people from different parts of the world, and for me, it is a bridge of hope," said Czech student Anna Roubalova.
Roubalova, who has been learning Chinese for five years, won second place at the Czech national qualifications for the 18th "Chinese Bridge" - Chinese proficiency competition for foreign secondary school students, held here on Thursday.
"I hope to make more Chinese friends and learn more about Chinese culture through the Chinese Bridge," Roubalova said in her speech.
"I want to pursue my studies at a Chinese university next year," she said. "Although the path is challenging, I'm not afraid, because learning Chinese has taught me that 'Nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets their mind to it.'"
The competition featured a themed speech, a talent show, and a quiz, where six contestants shared their Chinese learning experiences and stories about China. In the end, 16-year-old Ines Kristkova emerged as the winner and will represent the Czech Republic in the "Chinese Bridge" global finals.
Meanwhile, a Chinese show for primary school students in the Czech Republic was also held on Thursday. According to Dai Bo, head of the Chinese International School of Prague and the event organizer, this year's Chinese show introduced a new pairing model, in which Czech and Chinese students were teamed up to perform together.
"The aim was to better convey the spirit of 'Joyful Chinese' and further inspire Czech children to develop greater interest and enthusiasm in learning the Chinese language," he said.
Speaking at the event, Hao Hong, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, said the "Chinese Bridge" competition has over the years provided a valuable platform for students to showcase their language skills and cultural understanding, while also building bridges of friendship and mutual learning between cultures.
"Through the competition, students encourage and learn from one another, gaining not only knowledge but also confidence and friendships," she said. ■
A contestant writes Chinese calligraphy during a Chinese show for primary school students in Prague, the Czech Republic, June 5, 2025.(Xinhua/Deng Yaomin)
