"Thank You，BPAFFC, for the Opportunity to Step Out of My Comfort Zone"

Shortly before the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Beijing Sports Federation and the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (BPAFFC) jointly organized "The 9th Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition" at the Beijing World Horticultural Expo International Resort Area in Yanqing District. The event attracted 50 international friends living in Beijing and 50 local fishing enthusiasts to participate.

The Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition is a traditional international sports event that aims to promote public fitness in Beijing and enrich the experiences of foreign residents in the city.

The competition featured Chinese and international participants teaming up, creating a unique atmosphere of cooperation and friendship. As the event coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, the organizers prepared traditional mooncakes for all participants. In addition to the exciting fishing competition, international students had the opportunity to enjoy this traditional Mid-Autumn delicacy. Let's hear what some of the participants had to say after the event:

Michelle (Mongolia): "I feel incredibly fortunate to have participated in The 9th Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition. On the day of the event, I was captivated by the fresh air and beautiful scenery. As a beginner, I didn't have high expectations for my performance, but to my surprise, I caught my first big fish ever! All the participants from various countries were extremely friendly. When my fishing line got tangled, a Chinese competitor next to me kindly helped me untangle it and taught me some techniques. This cross-cultural friendship deeply moved me. The most memorable part was sharing the joy of success with everyone. Regardless of the results, we all encouraged each other and shared experiences. This competition not only made me fall in love with fishing but also provided a platform for cultural exchange. I'm grateful to the BPAFFC for this opportunity. I believe this experience will be one of my fondest memories during my studies in China."

Wang Youzhi (Kyrgyzstan): "The 9th Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition was a rare and rewarding experience for me. The moment I caught my first fish, I was filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment. The other participants cheered for me, which felt great. After the competition, I realized that fishing is not just a sport but also a way to cultivate oneself. It taught me patience, focus, and respect for nature. I'm thankful to the BPAFFC for giving me the chance to step out of my comfort zone, try something new, and make new friends. I gained not only fishing skills but also inner peace and satisfaction."

Zhou Sisi (Mozambique): "I'm honored to have participated in this year's Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition for several reasons. Firstly, I had the privilege of being one of the translators for the opening ceremony speech, which was a unique experience that improved my language skills and deepened my understanding of the event. I reunited with my partner from last year, which helped improve my fishing techniques. We had a great time chatting and fishing together. The beautiful autumn weather added to the enjoyment of the competition. I'm already looking forward to next year's event, hoping it will bring even more experiences, knowledge, and personal growth."

Hasib (Pakistan): "Today, I participated in The 9th Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition held in Yanqing, Beijing. It was an exciting experience where fishing enthusiasts from around the world gathered to exchange techniques and connect with each other. We enjoyed nature and fished in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. It was truly an unforgettable experience."

Fang Lifei (Indonesia): "I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in The 9th Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition. During this fishing competition, I gained many interesting experiences. I had the chance to serve as an English translator and learned a lot about fishing, including the importance of patience, keen observation, and proper techniques. In this competition, I won first place under the guidance of my partner, which made me very happy. I'm grateful to the teachers from the BPAFFC and the Fishing Association."

Hoang Thi Hien (Vietnam): "Today, I was invited along with my classmates from the Central University of Finance and Economics to participate in The 9th Beijing International Friendly Fishing Competition at the Beijing World Horticultural Expo Park. It was my first time fishing, and I was both excited and nervous, worried about letting my team down.

Fortunately, my partner was fishing master Teacher Mr. Song. Before the competition, he patiently taught me techniques and precautions. At first, I lost a few fish due to my inexperience, but after Teacher Song pointed out my mistakes, I gradually mastered the techniques and caught my first fish. I was thrilled, and Teacher Song praised me.

During the competition, I caught ten fish, which was a great achievement. Teacher Song mentioned that he had participated in previous years, and I caught the most fish among all his partners. After the competition, we won the fourth prize with 13.1 kg of fish. I was very happy and proud when receiving the award, feeling a great sense of accomplishment.

This competition was unforgettable for me. From being a novice to achieving success, Teacher Song's guidance was crucial. It wasn't just about winning the competition, but was also about personal growth. I experienced the joy of fishing and learned that when facing new challenges, it's important not to fear making mistakes. With guidance from experienced mentors and personal effort, success is possible. I will definitely participate in fishing activities again, continuing to gain happiness and personal growth."