A colorful and lively performance swings into action during the opening ceremony of the IWUF 4th Taolu World Cup in Haikou, Hainan province, on July 7, 2026. [Photo/VCG]

The IWUF 4th Taolu World Cup — hosted by the Switzerland-based International Wushu Federation — kicked off in grand style on July 7 in Haikou, capital of China's southernmost Hainan province.

IWUF President and Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Gao Zhidan joined Hainan Governor Liu Xiaoming to launch the opening ceremony.

In his speech, Governor Liu said that wushu is a treasure of fine traditional Chinese culture and that it serves as an important bond connecting different civilizations and hearts.

He said Hainan is willing to its deepen sports and cultural exchanges and cooperation with all parts of the world, push Chinese wushu onto the global stage and promote international cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

IWUF Secretary-General Zhang Yuping extended a warm welcome to all participants on behalf of the organization. She encouraged the athletes to show their exceptional skills and resilience and demonstrate to the world the unique harmony of strength and grace, action and stillness that defines wushu.

She also called on the atheletes to embody the sport's core values of fostering friendships and cultivating personal virtue through martial arts, wishing them a competitive and outstanding performance.

The Taolu World Cup stands as the pinnacle event for elite wushu athletes to showcase their prowess. Under the theme of "Wushu shines in Hainan, Harmony connects the world", this year's edition has drawn 206 athletes, team leaders and coaches from 29 countries and regions.

Spanning 11 men's and 11 women's disciplines, the tournament features four major categories: Bare-hand, long weapons, short weapons and Duilian (Choreographed Sparring). Athletes will compete on July 7-8 for a total of 22 gold medals.

The opening ceremony also featured the presentation of the International Wushu Federation flag, oath-taking ceremonies by athlete and referee representatives, as well as a series of cultural and sports performances.