Distinguished Professor Vlatko Nedelkovski, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education, Sport and Health,

Dear teachers and students,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon,

It is a great pleasure to join you today in celebrating the first International Taijiquan Day. I would like to extend my warm congratulations on the successful organization of this event, and my sincere appreciation to the Faculty for the excellent arrangements.

Taijiquan, also known as Tai Chi, originated in China and has been passed down for hundreds of years. It embodies the essence of Daoist philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine, and classical martial arts, emphasizing balance between strength and softness. It nurtures both the body and the mind.

Last November, UNESCO officially designated March 21 as International Taijiquan Day. This marks the first time a martial art has been given an international day within the UN system, and represents an important recognition following its inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. The date also coincides with the Spring Equinox, symbolizing balance, renewal, and vitality.

Tai Chi has spread across the world not only because it promotes health and well-being for people of all ages, but also because it conveys universal values—harmony, respect for nature, and inner balance. It has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Chinese culture. Even the legendary kung fu star Bruce Lee was first introduced to martial arts through Tai Chi.

Today, elements of Chinese lifestyle are gaining popularity worldwide. People are increasingly embracing practices such as drinking warm water, enjoying simple daily routines, and practicing Tai Chi as part of a balanced and mindful way of life.

There are an estimated 300 to 400 million Tai Chi practitioners worldwide, with a significant proportion of them young people. For the younger generation, Tai Chi helps improve coordination, balance, concentration, and patience. Notably, at this year’s Dakar Summer Youth Olympic Games, martial arts will be included as an official competition sport for the first time, featuring an all-around Taijiquan event. This debut once again demonstrates Taijiquan’s growing global influence and its strong appeal among youth.

Health is the foundation of a strong society and one of the greatest assets in life. At China’s recent Two Sessions, the promotion of youth sports and both physical and mental well-being were among the key priorities. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of fostering healthy lifestyles and advancing mass sports as part of building a Healthy China.

In China, Tai Chi has been incorporated into physical education curricula in primary and secondary schools. I am also very pleased to see its growing popularity here in North Macedonia. Five years ago, the first Tai Chi association, Taiminggong, was established, and it has since been actively promoting Tai Chi and Chinese culture, with a steadily increasing number of local practitioners.

Today, a local Tai Chi teacher, Ms. Marija, will demonstrate and guide you through the practice. Her experience shows that, regardless of nationality or age, everyone can benefit from Tai Chi and enjoy a healthier and more balanced life.

In closing, I would like to encourage more friends—especially young people—to take part in Tai Chi. Let us use it as a bridge to strengthen friendship, promote cultural exchange, and work together toward a shared vision of harmony, diversity, and well-being for all.

I wish today’s event every success.

Thank you.