The 14th IWUF Congress concluded successfully on September 28 in Kazan, Russia. President Yu Zaiqing called the meeting to order and warmly thanked the Kazan 2017 Local Organizing Committee, Russian Wushu Federation, and city of Kazan for their excellent hospitality and fine event. Highlights of the Congress included:
Honorary Executive Board Vice President and Members
President Yu appointed Liu Ruiqi as an Honorary Executive Board Vice President, and Raymond Smith, Giuseppe Falconi, and Tian Suhui as Honorary Executive Board Members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the IWUF and the sport of wushu.
Grading Commission Announced
The Grading Commission, made up of 15 members and chaired by IWUF Executive Vice President Anthony Goh, held an initial meeting from September 2-4, 2017 where members laid the groundwork for establishing an international competition grading system for traditional styles, competition taolum, taijiquan, and sanda. The Commission will continue to develop plans for the system, plans which will be shared with IWUF members when they become available.
New Memberships
The Congress approved five National Federations as full members of the IWUF: Burundian Wushu Federation (BDI), Kung Fu Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH), Cyprus Wushu Kung Fu Federation (CYP), Wushu Federation of the Republic of Moldova (MDA), and Wushu Federation of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD).
IWUF to Establish World Wushu-Kungfu Day
The 14th IWUF Congress unanimously approved the Executive Board recommendation to establish a World Kungfu Day in 2018 to promote worldwide wushu kungfu awareness and appreciation, particularly through the support of member federations. Specific information regarding the exact date and plans will be announced soon.
New Secretary General Announced
President Yu Zaiqing announced Zhang Qiuping as the new Secretary General of the IWUF, citing Mr. Zhang’s pedigree of current Chinese Wushu Association President, for work with the International Swimming Federation, and experience with international events at all levels.
