When the 1st "Li Guang Cup" International Archery Invitational Tournament took place in the city of Tianshui, Gansu province Sept 9 – 11, it had as many as 50 delegations, with 300 contestants, from China, the United States, France and other countries taking part.

Contestants taking aim at the archery tournament, in Tianshui, Gansu, on Sept 9. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

In expressing his pride in the event, Yang Weijun, Tianshui's mayor, said at the opening ceremony, "Tinshui expects to carry on the tradition of Chinese archery culture and Chinese sports and continue this archery event," then he added, "We also hope to publicize our culture this time".

Tianshui has a long history and culture and is the home of famous figures, such as Li Guang, a general of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), who was said to have shot an arrow into a rock, and the source of the competition's name.

Staff clear a target at the 1st "Li Guang Cup" International Archery Tournament, in Gansu. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Li Guang was known for his bravery and toughness in the battlefield, and was nicknamed the "Flying General" by his Xiongnu enemies.

Sponsors of the event are the Chinese Archery Association and Gansu Sports Bureau.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw