Burundi commends cooperation with China in sports sector — official

By Xinhua

BUJUMBURA, July 23 (Xinhua)  -- Burundi has enjoyed good cooperation with China in the sports sector for decades, a senior official at the Burundian ministry in charge of sports told Xinhua in a recent interview.
   "Our cooperation has been notably materialized by sports equipment offered by China as well as technical support whereby China has been sending experts in various sports disciplines to train Burundian athletes," said Samuel Niyubahwe, director general of youth, sports and culture at the Burundian Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture.
   He indicated that several sports federations have benefited from support from China, citing the examples of Chinese Wushu and table tennis.
   "Procedures for the construction of a stadium for the Wushu Federation of Burundi are underway," said Niyubahwe.
   Besides, he said China has been sending its experts to Burundi to train Burundian athletes in disciplines like table tennis.
   He, however, said Burundi has fewer sports federations in comparison to other countries in the Great Lakes region.
   According to him, Burundi has about 30 sports federations, whereas other countries in the Great Lakes region have more sports federations.
   "We (Burundi) are in high speed to create new sports disciplines and federations that did not exist before here in Burundi, and we need support," added Niyubahwe.
   Niyubahwe said Burundi will send six athletes to participate in the upcoming World University Games to be held in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province.
   He added that he expects several medals from those athletes and that the Burundian flag will be flown during the games. "Burundian athletes will learn experience from other athletes during the competition."
   Niyubahwe noted that the Burundian sports sector is being promoted, explaining that this is notably evidenced by the development of the national policy on sports and the construction of stadiums that abide by international norms.
   He emphasized that China has recorded "miracles" in sports, notably in recent years. "China can inspire Burundi in the sports and cultural sectors."  Enditem