DAKAR, March 19 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 Chinese and Senegalese tai chi enthusiasts gathered on Dakar's Atlantic seafront on Thursday for a mass demonstration ahead of International Taijiquan Day, an event linking the traditional Chinese discipline with the buildup to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
At Africain Souvenir Square, participants dressed in white training outfits moved in unison through the simplified 24-form tai chi routine as waves rolled in behind them, reflecting the growing interest in the practice in Senegal.
The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Senegal under the theme of welcoming Dakar 2026 with a 100-person tai chi performance, brought together Chinese and Senegalese practitioners in a display of sport, culture and exchange.
China's ambassador to Senegal, Li Zhigang, said tai chi is "not only a martial art, but also a carrier of traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine," embodying "the balance of yin and yang and the harmony of softness and strength."
"As tai chi has spread around the world, more and more people have come to understand Chinese culture and the idea of harmonious coexistence through this practice," Li said.
Dimitri Sanga, director of UNESCO's Regional Office for West Africa, noted that tai chi embodies a universal philosophy grounded in harmony between body and mind, between the individual and nature, and among cultures themselves.
"Its recognition by UNESCO affirms not only its exceptional cultural value, but also its ability to respond to contemporary aspirations, including the pursuit of well-being, the need for inner peace and the desire to live together in respect and balance," he said.
"The holding of this demonstration today vividly illustrates the vitality of intercultural dialogue," he added.
Interviews with coaches, athletes and young practitioners suggested tai chi is gradually taking root in Senegal.
"I came to know China through tai chi," said Doudou Fall, technical head of the Senegalese Wushu Federation and coach of the demonstration.
Fall, who has practiced tai chi since the 1990s and traveled to China many times for training and exchanges, said the discipline has gained momentum in Senegal over the past two years, attracting a growing number of practitioners.
"Tai chi is good for health, but it also teaches patience, endurance, respect and trust," he said, adding that many values in Chinese culture resonate with those cherished in Senegalese and broader African societies.
Ousmane Gueye, an African wushu champion and a wushu ambassador for Dakar 2026, said tai chi once had only a limited following in Senegal but has recently gained wider visibility.
"Tai chi can help Senegalese people better understand Chinese culture and values," he said, adding that the upcoming Youth Olympic Games would allow more people to discover the discipline and encourage more young people to take it up.
"We hope to promote wushu through good results and attract more children to join," he said.
Ousmane Sakho, coach of Senegal's national wushu team, said tai chi had left a lasting impact on him. "Tai chi changed my life," he said.
Sakho said he grew up in a densely populated neighborhood in Dakar and first practiced karate before turning to Chinese martial arts and tai chi. Years of training instilled discipline in him and eventually led him to become a national team coach.
He said continued cooperation in wushu could help strengthen ties between Senegal and China. For now, he added, his most immediate task is preparing his athletes for Dakar 2026.
"The competition will not be easy, but we will be ready for the challenge," he said.
Among the young participants was 15-year-old Senegalese practitioner Mahib Amar, who performed tai chi fan at the event. Next week, he will travel to Tianjin, China, to compete in the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships. Having also trained in China in 2025, Amar is set to represent Senegal in related events at Dakar 2026.
"Training in China helped me improve a lot," he said.
Also drawing attention was 9-year-old Chinese primary school student Zhu Wanning, the youngest participant in the demonstration. After joining tai chi sessions with her mother in recent days, Zhu said she found the practice both interesting and good for health.
"It was my first time practicing tai chi. It was very interesting, and I think it is good for health," she said. "I also met new Senegalese friends, and I am very happy." Enditem.
