Feature: Laos Wushu team aiming for medals at Asian Games

VIENTIANE, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Three Wushu athletes from Laos are fully prepared for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, with the goal of winning medals at the event.

During their preparatory period, the trio had a chance to learn professional techniques from Chinese coach Song Yanan.

"We have been practicing in an intensive training program for three months. We are ready for this fight. We will do our best to win a medal back for the country," athlete Phon Saybounpheng said with confidence.

Phon told Xinhua that Wushu is a very technical and challenging sport, but added that his training was enjoyable.

"We've been training for a long time. A Chinese coach taught me a lot of techniques and helped me develop my skills even more. Now I am 100 percent confident," he said. "I promise that I will put all of my effort into this competition."

Laos' Wushu athletes are aiming for medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

"Our coach never lets any of our mistakes pass. After every competition or during training, if he sees anything that we still can't do well, he will guide us to practice until we can make it," said athlete Donechan Phetmala.

Practicing Wushu not only helps to improve their strength and overall physical fitness, it also brings them pride in representing their country.

"Wushu gave me fighting skills and I have a good reputation in society as a national athlete. The fact that I wear the uniform bearing the national flag is my greatest pride," said 24-year-old Huk Phommachanh, adding that he has been inspired by senior athletes since he was a teenager.

"My house is near the Wushu training center for Lao national athletes. I saw them practice every day and that inspired me a lot," said Huk.

Huk explained his experience in practicing with coach Song. "He is a determined person. He never lets us waste time and is willing to convey his knowledge to us. I gained a lot from him."

Huk said that Song observes and evaluates them from previous competitions to help them improve their weak points.

"During practice, he is a strict person, but he is very friendly in our free time. That impressed me the most."

Lao Wushu coach Langsan Masopha said that both Sanda and Taolu, two categories of competitive Wushu, have their own charm.

He added that Chinese movies have also influenced people to become more interested in Wushu because the discipline features in many films.

He recalled his memorable moments in China, saying that he took Lao athletes to China in 2018 to train and prepare for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Discussing his impressions of his Chinese partner, Langsan said, "He is always willing to share his knowledge, not only Wushu techniques but also the Chinese language. He is a good teacher and has good technique and teaching skills that allow athletes to develop quickly. I believe that he can lead our athletes to success."

Song said that Lao athletes really enjoy martial arts, and their eagerness to learn and seriousness in the training impressed him the most.

"Lao athletes are able to endure hardships. During the training, they can exceed the training tasks and training intensity assigned. After the training is over, they will spontaneously do some additional training."

He said that Wushu can also help to deepen understandings between China and Laos, and it allows Lao athletes to understand the tradition of Chinese martial arts, the origin of its development, and some of its inherent culture.