Tai chi enthusiasts extend wishes to the upcoming 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China after setting a new Guinness World Record. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Tai chi enthusiasts from 77 countries on Sunday set a new Guinness World Record for "Most Nationalities Practicing Tai Chi Together" in Dubai, extending wishes to the upcoming 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1.
Under the supervision of adjudicator Kanzy El Defrawy, 180 participants simultaneously completed a full set of tai chi movements. Hailing from five continents, people of different colors and languages expressed their shared yearning for peace, respect for culture and cherished friendship through the unified movements and rhythms. The youngest participant was 6 years old, while the oldest was 71.
Participants simultaneously complete a full set of tai chi movements. [Photo by Cui Haipei/chinadaily.com.cn]
The adjudicator announced the successful challenge on-site and presented a certificate, saying, "This is the collective tai chi performance with the most diverse nationalities I have ever witnessed. It epitomizes true international cultural exchange."
After the record was confirmed, all participants wrote "World Peace" in their native languages and held the notes high in their hands. The entire group then chanted in unison, "One World, One Tai Chi" and "Happy Birthday, China!"
Tai chi combines deep breathing, relaxation, and usually slow, gentle movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, it is now practiced worldwide.
A certificate is presented on-site after the successful challenge.[Photo by Cui Haipei/chinadaily.com.cn]
"I am grateful to be part of this event, which brought together people united by peace, love, and respect to promote Tai chi to the world — especially the Gulf region," said Samia Moosal from Palestine.
Now a tai chi teacher in Dubai, she has traveled to Henan province to study martial arts and visited Hong Kong in 2016 to compete in a tai chi championship as the only female Arab participant. "I love Chinese culture and the people who have treated me with love and respect," she added.
Another participant, Issa Suleiman, who also leads a local volunteer team for the event, said, "This event aims to spread peace and harmony across the globe. Everyone should know how precious peace is: every country deserves it, and every person deserves it."
"As Chinese people living overseas, we are honored to be able to do something for our motherland," said Liu Huajin, one of the event's organizers. "Today's Guinness world record is a birthday gift from participants of all nationalities to China."
