Dilnar Dilxat from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in action at China's National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities in Sanya, Hainan Province on Nov. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

SANYA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Dressed in a plain martial arts uniform with flowing sleeves, Dilnar Dilxat demonstrated a perfect blend of strength and confidence with her punches.

It was the Uygur's fifth time representing Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in ethnic martial arts at China's National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities.

"This time, I still feel the pressure to achieve good results," said the veteran. "Every time, I tell myself to believe in myself."

In the world of Chinese martial arts fiction, the majestic Tianshan Mountains have always exuded an aura of mystery. Growing up in the city of Urumqi at the foot of the mountains, Dilnar's kung fu dream is also filled with legend.

DREAM INSPIRED BY LEGEND

Dilnar's love for martial arts began at age nine, an unusual interest for a girl in her hometown. While her peers pursued dance and music, the girl was captivated by Bruce Lee's dynamic moves on television, mimicking his every gesture.

Her father, a sports enthusiast with unfulfilled dreams of becoming an athlete, saw potential in her passion and enrolled her in a martial arts training class.

"When I first joined the team, I was the youngest and the only girl," Dilnar recalled. "At that time, I didn't feel tired. Every move felt new and exciting."

Yet, as the training intensified, the young enthusiast began to waver. Seeking solace from her father, she instead found unwavering discipline.

"He didn't comfort me," said Dilnar, "He doubled down, insisting on strict practice routines. He would even make me run in the yard, rain or shine."

Her father's determination clashed with the disapproval of relatives and neighbors who thought such demands were too harsh for a little girl, while her mother was even more distressed for her daughter.

Yet, Dilnar's stubborn streak matched her father's resolve. She recalled being inspired by her idol Lee once again, whose relentless efforts to promote Chinese martial arts overseas brought kung fu global recognition.

"I wanted to prove to my father that I could do it," said Dilnar, "I also wanted to see how far I could go after practicing for so many years."

MORE THAN SKILLS

Over the years, she has claimed numerous championships, including four previous honors at the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities.

As the arena filled with younger faces and many of her peers transitioned into coaching roles, Dilnar has also shifted her focus. While still competing, she now sees preserving and passing on martial arts as her greater mission.

In recent years, schools across Xinjiang, a multi-ethnic region in northwest China, have embraced traditional sports like martial arts, archery, and dragon dancing, incorporating them into classrooms and extracurricular activities with the aim of passing down traditional culture through education.

Dilnar, now a teacher at three local schools, is at the forefront of this initiative, introducing students of all ethnic backgrounds to the martial arts.

"Compared to my generation, kids today have far more opportunities to learn it," she said. "Without education, there is no way to preserve tradition. My role is to spark their interest and watch it grow."

For martial artists, the sport is about more than just winning or losing.

"It's about capturing the spirit behind them," said Wu Xiaolin, a coach with the Xinjiang delegation. "We should embody the virtues of martial arts, such as integrity and honor through practicing."

Dilnar emphasized these values in her teaching. Like her own coach, she instilled discipline, humility, and a sense of responsibility in her students.

"Martial arts teach us to be honest, to take responsibility, and to approach life with determination and integrity," she said. "Above all, it teaches us patriotism."

To reinforce this, Dilnar often shared stories of Chinese heroes who once defended the nation, connecting her students to the broader legacy of the sports.

"The journey isn't about how far you go alone," said Dilnar, "It's about how much you can pass on to others."