Over the past several decades, Israel's national wushu team has won medals at prestigious international competitions, including world and European championships. Year after year, the prestige of Israeli athletes in this sport grows higher. Paradoxically, however, Israeli athletes have to pay more and more to participate in competitions, as state assistance remains insufficient. Without adequate funding, some athletes will be unable to participate in upcoming championships.

Wushu has not yet become an Olympic sport, although it was included in the official list of sports at the 2022 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. A decision on including wushu in the Olympic roster is expected soon, which should contribute to the development of modern wushu. National team coach Alexander Frenkel explained how Israeli athletes win, what these victories cost, and what help is possible.

Nineteen years ago, an article titled "Champions Against All Odds" was published, describing Israeli athletes' achievements and problems. Frenkel notes that while wushu has become faster and more spectacular with new complex elements introduced, training conditions remain challenging.

"Wushu is one of the most difficult sports in terms of preparation. An athlete must be simultaneously strong, fast, flexible and graceful. Master the technique of various types of traditional weapons. Be able to perform the most complex elements at high speed," he explained.

At the 2025 European Championship, Israel's team achieved remarkable success—all 18 athletes became prize winners, with all ten adult athletes becoming European champions in their categories. 

"Thanks to the successful performance of our athletes, the Israeli anthem sounded 13 times at last year's European Championship," Frenkel said



Notably, half of those competing in the adult category were former juniors for whom this was their first adult European championship. Sheli Movshovich became absolute European champion, winning three gold medals in three categories.

However, preparing champions comes at a cost. Athletes train on one mat with limited time—less than three hours per day including warm-up, meaning just over an hour of actual working time divided among 18 athletes.

"Some of our athletes are forced to work part-time to pay for their participation in upcoming competitions. Three-time European champion Sheli Movshovich goes to work in a restaurant after hard training. This is nonsense, this does not exist in any leading national team in the world," Frenkel said. 


The team needs to raise about 450,000 shekels for this year's championships and preparation for the 2027 World Championship, which serves as qualifying for the World Games. Without this funding, expenses will again fall on athletes and their parents, or the team will have to withdraw from participation. The team has created a website where anyone can contribute to supporting Israel's wushu team and become a partner in their victories.

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