Skiing rejuvenating in birth place

Skiing, an ancient sport which can be traced 10,000 years back in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has rejuvenated in its birth place.

A rock painting depicting ancient hunters skiing was found at the Handgate county of Altay in 2005, which was considered as a proof that skiing orginated from the city. The local government decided in 2006 to hold a traditional ski race on Jan. 16 every year to commemorate the finding.

This year's event, which requires participants to use hide-made skis as their ancestors did, was held at the General Hill ski resort last weekend in Altay, attracting hundreds of ski lovers.

"I want to inherit the ancestral skill and hope that the tradition will live on," said Xuhera, a teenage girl of Kazak ethnic group.

Bakjol, a nine-year-old Kazak boy, honed his ski skills at the same ski resort. His mother Sawulie says that skiing is not just for fun but also helps build up willpower and character.

"If he (Bakjol) is really talented in skiing, I will surely support him wholeheartedly," said Sawulie.

With the National Winter Games being held in Xinjiang, local officials hope to take the opportunity to thrive the sport.

"Beijing's successful bid of the 2022 Winter Olympics and the national winter games have lured more kids to learn ski. From this winter, some PE classes will be conducted in ski resorts so that primary and middle school students have access to professional instructions," said Ma Qiang, a ski instructor in the General Hill ski resort.

"I hope that top skiers could emerge from Altay in the future to represent China on international arena. It will be a great honor for Altay, the origin place of skiing," he added. Endit