250 Lion Dance Athletes from Around the World Compete for the West Sumatra Governor’s Cup
PADANG — A festive atmosphere filled the Fude Tang Sports Hall in Padang on Saturday evening, August 15. The sound of drums and gongs echoed throughout the venue, colorful flags fluttered, and lion dance performances brought the celebration to life. Amid the lively atmosphere, the Waimou International Lion Dance Invitational Tournament – West Sumatra Governor’s Cup was officially opened.
West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah and Padang Mayor Fadly Amran attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Also present were FOBI President Edy Kusuma, FOBI Chairman of the Advisory Board and retired Lieutenant General of the Indonesian Army Tono Suratman, FOBI Vice President Tony Herman, as well as delegation heads, coaches, judges, athletes, and distinguished guests from various backgrounds.
The tournament is organized by FOBI West Sumatra, with the HTT Padang Association serving as the event’s host and implementing organization.
According to Organizing Committee Chairman and West Sumatra Regional House of Representatives member Iswanto Kwara, the tournament is attended by approximately 250 lion dance athletes from eight countries and regions, namely Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, the United States, and France.
The competition features several categories, including Traditional Lion Dance and High Pole Lion Dance. The Traditional Lion Dance category is contested by 14 teams, while 10 teams compete in the High Pole category. Participants include leading Indonesian lion dance teams representing the host country, as well as several strong international teams with extensive experience in international competitions.
Iswanto Kwara said the tournament has received strong support from the West Sumatra Provincial Government, the Padang City Government, and various Chinese community organizations. From welcoming delegations from different countries to venue preparation, judging arrangements, security, and logistical support, all preparations have been carried out in a well-coordinated manner.
He expressed hope that the international tournament would strengthen interaction and the exchange of experience among lion dance athletes from different countries, while also allowing international guests to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Padang.
Governor Mahyeldi said that the Chinese community, which has lived in West Sumatra for generations, has made significant contributions to the region’s economic development and prosperity. He noted that traditional lion dance culture also plays a positive role in strengthening cultural diversity and promoting unity and integration among ethnic communities.
Meanwhile, Mayor Fadly Amran warmly welcomed the lion dance athletes from various countries. He expressed hope that all participants would take home memorable experiences from their time in Padang. Fadly also hoped that similar events could be held annually, further increasing Padang’s international visibility and attracting more tourists.
On Saturday morning, all participating teams had already begun competing in the Traditional Lion Dance category at the Fude Tang Sports Hall. Throughout the day’s competition, teams showcased their best performances. Accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats, the athletes performed a variety of movements and story sequences, including cai qing, exploration, expressions of alertness and surprise, and displays of joy.
Each team demonstrated its own distinctive character and strengths. Applause and cheers from the audience continued to echo throughout the competition. As night fell, the atmosphere inside and around the sports hall became even more vibrant, illuminated by lights and filled with an increasingly festive spirit. The opening ceremony then brought the first day’s series of events to another high point.
In his remarks, FOBI President Edy Kusuma expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the West Sumatra Provincial Government, the Padang City Government, FOBI West Sumatra, the HTT Padang Association, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and all parties who contributed to the organization of the tournament.
Edy Kusuma said that, of Indonesia’s 38 provinces, 30 currently have established provincial-level FOBI organizations. This reflects the continued expansion of the organizational network and grassroots support for lion dance sports in Indonesia.
Indonesia has also become the first country in the world to include lion dance as a sport contested for gold medals at a national multi-sport event. In 2024, lion dance became an official competitive sport for the first time at the 21st National Sports Week (PON XXI) in Aceh and North Sumatra, marking an important milestone in the development of lion dance sports.
The tournament will run until August 17, 2026, coinciding with the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Edy Kusuma expressed hope that athletes from different countries would sharpen their skills and build friendships through their competition. Beyond the arena, he hoped participants would gain a deeper understanding of one another and develop closer bonds of friendship.
He said that lion dance can serve as a cultural bridge that transcends national borders and strengthens bonds between people, while also providing the world with an opportunity to see Indonesia as an open, diverse, united, and vibrant nation.
