KUNMING: A delegation from the Kathmandu Zhengji Traditional Archery Association of Nepal visited Kunming, China, on March 11 and jointly organized a cultural and sports exchange program with the Kunming Huishi Education Group, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.
The event was launched in the morning at the Lianhuachi Campus of Huishi Education Group in Kunming, bringing together representatives from the cultural, sports, and education sectors of both countries.
The Chinese delegation included Huishi Education Group Chairman Zhang Hongwei, Institute President Chen Dan, relevant officials from the group, and Kong Weizhong, head of the Kunming Zhengji Archery Club. The Nepali delegation was led by Rajiv Maharjan, Technical Director of the Kathmandu Zhengji Traditional Archery Association. Members of the team included coaches and athletes from the Nepal Police Force, St. Xavier’s School, and Ullen School, including archer Tamba Bote.
During the visit, the Nepali delegation toured the studio of Li Honggang , a renowned inheritor of Yunnan’s intangible cultural heritage craft known as Ban Copper. Delegates closely observed the unique craftsmanship and learned about the history of the traditional technique, praising its exquisite artistry and deep cultural significance.
A cultural and sports exchange seminar followed the visit. Chairman Zhang Hongwei welcomed the Nepali delegation and recalled the group’s visit to Nepal in 2012. He highlighted Huishi Education Group’s vision of expanding cooperation across South and Southeast Asia and expressed hope that the exchange would deepen collaboration in vocational education, culture, and sports.
Chen Dan introduced the teaching model and curriculum design of traditional archery programs in Chinese schools, encouraging mutual learning to help promote the sport among younger generations.
Rajiv Maharjan expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and praised the importance of the exchange, emphasizing Nepal’s interest in establishing a regular mechanism for cooperation. Kong Weizhong noted that traditional archery serves as a meaningful cultural bridge connecting the people of Nepal and China, especially during the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He added that the Nepali delegation’s visit would not only allow them to learn about China’s training techniques and competition systems but also help promote Chinese traditional archery culture in Nepal. Both sides agreed to work together to build a more unified and comprehensive development system for traditional archery.
The event created a valuable platform for people-to-people cultural and sports exchanges, promoting mutual appreciation between Yunnan’s intangible cultural heritage and Nepal’s traditional culture.
Both parties stated that this exchange marks a new starting point for deeper cooperation, aiming to make traditional archery a lasting bond of friendship between the people of Nepal and China. #nepal
