The “Dragon Cup” Youth Wushu Sanda Elite Competition was held on October 17 at Lujiazui Center Plaza in Shanghai, marking its third consecutive year at the commercial landmark. Part of the Shanghai Public Sports Season, the event attracted residents and tourists, bringing martial arts competition into a busy shopping district.

The competition featured children aged 6 to 14 from 11 schools and clubs across Shanghai, divided into six age and ability groups. Sanda bouts followed a best-of-three-round format, with each round lasting 90 seconds and points awarded for punches, kicks and takedowns.

Zhao Guangsheng, executive vice-chairman of the Shanghai Sports Federation and an eighth-duan Wushu master who served as the event’s organizing committee director, emphasized the sport’s value beyond competition. He said Sanda can help young people develop resilience, confidence and the ability to cope with setbacks, while also teaching practical self-defense skills.

Organized by the Pudong New Area Publicity Department and Shanghai Julong Training School, the event reflects Shanghai’s effort to bring sporting activities into major commercial districts and city landmarks, making competitions more accessible to the public and combining sport with urban life.

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