The IWUF 4th Taolu World Cup successfully concluded on July 8, 2026, in Haikou, Hainan, China, marking a significant milestone for the sport as wushu prepares for its historic debut as an official medal sport at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games this November. The event, which is one of the six flagship official events of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), featured 11 men's and 11 women's events across four major categories: fist routines, long weapons, short weapons, and duilian. Over two days, 22 gold medals were contested, with athletes from 18 countries and regions securing medals.
This was the first high-level international wushu single-discipline competition hosted by Hainan since the establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port. The event attracted 206 participants, including 117 elite competitors, from 29 countries and regions. Leveraging the unique geographical and policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, overseas participants benefited from visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries and a 240-hour transit visa-exemption policy, along with fast-track customs clearance. Specialized competition equipment enjoyed zero-tariff treatment and simplified cross-border customs procedures.
Hainan's rich wushu culture was on display, with its unique 'Qiong-style' wushu system blending local folklore and regional characteristics. Two counties and one city—Tunchang, Qiongzhong, and Wanning—have been designated as 'National Wushu Hometowns,' reflecting deep-rooted local traditions. Indigenous fighting styles such as the Li ethnic group's Li Family Fist, Tunchang Pochen Five-Form Stakes, and Wanning Mazai Kung Fu have been passed down through generations.
During the event, Hainan also hosted the inaugural Hainan International Wushu Culture Month, featuring multiple 'wushu + tourism' travel routes that allowed guests to enjoy island scenery and duty-free shopping benefits while attending high-level competitions. Looking ahead, Hainan plans to integrate wushu into its sports-tourism product system, developing themed tourist destinations, study bases, and signature events to promote 'spectator travel' as a new cultural tourism model.
Separately, the IWUF's 43rd Executive Committee Meeting decided that Haikou City will host the 12th Sanda World Cup, further solidifying Hainan's role as a global hub for wushu development and cultural exchange. For more information, visit the IWUF official website.
