Diplomatic Games: Kenya, China to engage in international tournaments to mark 60-year relationship
Unique Sports
By
Ochieng Oyugi
| Jan 07, 2023
Kenya and China have had a cordial diplomatic relationship that has reached its 60th anniversary this year.
The partnership was boosted on Saturday with the launch of Club of Sino- Africa Culture and Tourism whose mission is to foster, promote and further the cause of the already existing good relationship between the two nations.
In order to cement their good interactions, the club will utilize sports and literature to promote culture and tourism of the two countries.
"We will hold international football, basketball and golf tournaments in Nairobi in July to be contested by players from Kenya and China.
"The proposal has already been submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Chinese Embassy," Club of Sino- Africa Culture and Tourism Founder Balozi Yang told Standard Sports.
Yang, who has stayed in Kenya from 2015, says other subsequent editions of the tournaments will be held in China as the championships grows in leaps and bounds.
He is already glad that Chinese pay television channel StarTimes and DT Bank have already shown great interest in sponsoring the golf tournaments.
"We are very much ready to host Kenya in China," he underlined.
"China is so passionate about football, this discipline will excite the youthful players at the same time enhance their cultural and tourism interactions.
"Despite whoever loses, it will be a win-win situation for both countries as the bigger picture is to further the good relationship that has existed between China and Kenya for six decades," he said.
Apart from the international clashes, Yang said the club will hold local tournaments frequently to help create awareness about cultural tourism.
Yang said the club has chosen to host the tournaments in the mid-year as China and Kenya have national holidays in the period which is a great time for sports tourism.
"The Chinese players and tourists that will visit Kenya will get a chance to tour Kenya's scenic regions like Naivasha, Mombasa, the Maasai Mara and various national parks apart from their involvement in sports," he highlighted.
He added that Kiu, a Kenyan drama series which premiered on StarTimes Rembo Tv on December 12, 2022, is already getting legion of followings in China as the Chinese are very much interested in learning the Kenyan culture.
While presiding over the establishment of the club, Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza said: "The launch of the Club of Sino-Africa Culture and Tourism is significant in that it marks the first event to celebrate 60 years of close friendship between China and Kenya.
"The club will serve as an important touchpoint of convergence in building understanding and appreciation of the rich culture of the Chinese and Kenyans.
"The success of this club will inspire increased exchanges and engagement by people of Kenya and China especially in tourism and business spheres."
The Tourism Ministry on Wednesday supported the Kenya Ice Hockey League Friendship Tournament that was held at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi.
The tournament attracted prolific players from Kenya, Japan, USA and Canada who also took time to tour the country apart from taking part in the adrenaline filled contest.
The Ministry has pledged to help the Kenya Federation of Ice Sports to set up an Olympic size ice rink to help develop the rare sport in the country.
Ends