Lions launched across towering poles and dragons wove through the air to the thundering beat of drums as the 23rd Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Championship turned Sunshine Central into a riot of colour, rhythm and precision.
Twenty-three teams from across the state pulled off gravity-defying high-pole lion dance stunts and blistering dragon dance routines that demanded pinpoint balance, perfect timing and raw athleticism, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the championship reflected the strong growth of wushu and lion dance in the state over the years.
“This championship is more than just a sporting competition. Wushu and lion dance are important cultural traditions that carry values such as discipline, confidence, perseverance and respect,” he said during the opening ceremony at Sunshine Central in George Town on Sunday (11 May 2026).
Wong said the strong participation of children and teenagers was particularly encouraging, as it showed the traditions would continue to thrive among younger generations.
The championship also served as an important platform to identify and develop athletes for the Penang contingent ahead of Sukma 2026 in Selangor, he added.
Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the state government continued to place strong emphasis on youth and sports development, with wushu remaining one of Penang’s stronger traditional disciplines.
“We hope to discover more promising young athletes through more high-level competitions in the state,” he said.
Also present were Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association president H’ng Ban Choon and Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng.
The wushu competition will be held on 16 and 17 May, featuring contemporary routines, traditional routines, sanda (Chinese kickboxing) and tai chi push hands.
Separately, Wong said Penang was spearheading efforts to secure Unesco recognition for three major Chinese cultural traditions: the lion dance, the Chingay procession and the 24 Festive Drums performance art.
Nomination documents for the lion dance and Chingay procession were submitted to Unesco in March last year, while the 24 Festive Drums nomination was submitted in March this year.
Source: The Star
