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Opening Speech by WXF Deputy Secretary General Xue Zhong
尊敬的美国国会议员Sheila Jackson Lee，尊敬的美国国会议员Troy Nehls 代表张晶晶女士，尊敬的休斯顿体育局长Janis Burke 女士，尊敬的第18届世界象棋锦标赛组委会主席郑勤霖先生、组委会共同主席胡玉山先生、组委会共同主席徐建勋先生以及其他世象联执委，女士们、先生们，大家晚上好！
Respected U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, respected U.S. Congressman Troy Nehls representative Ms. Zhang Jingjing, esteemed Director and CEO of the Houston Sports Authority, Ms. Janis Burke, esteemed Chairman of the 18th World Xiangqi Championship Organizing Committee, Mr. Collin Zheng, Co-Chairmen of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Hu Yushan and Mr. James Shu,, as well as other World Xiangqi Federation Executive Committee members, ladies and gentlemen, good evening to all!
第十八届世界象棋锦标赛和第四届世界象棋青少年锦标赛将于11月19日至25日在美国休斯敦隆重举办，吸引了来自全世界13个国家和地区共84名棋手参赛。这是世锦赛首次在美国举办，得到了各界人士的关心支持，也体现了象棋运动在美国乃至北美洲的良好发展态势。我谨代表世界象棋联合会第一副主席朱国平先生和世界象棋联合会向本届赛事的组委会、赞助商、工作人员和志愿者表示衷心感谢，对全体领队和参赛棋手们表示最热烈的欢迎！我相信在组委会各位同仁的共同努力下，本届世界象棋锦标赛将会是一届成功、圆满，具有纪念意义的精彩赛事。
The 18th World Xiangqi Championship and the 4th World Youth Xiangqi Championship will be grandly held in Houston, USA, from November 19th to 25th, attracting 84 players from 13 countries and regions around the world. This is the first time the World Championship is held in the United States, receiving widespread attention and support from various sectors, reflecting the positive development of Chinese chess in the United States and even North America. On behalf of the World Xiangqi Federation, and Mr. Zhu Guoping, Executive President of WXF, I would like to express sincere gratitude to the organizing committee, sponsors, staff, and volunteers of this event. A warm welcome is extended to all team leaders and participating players!
I believe that with the collective efforts of the organizing committee, this World Xiangqi Championship will be a successful, fulfilling, and memorable event.
今年恰逢世界象棋联合会成立30周年，世象联的成立，得到了全球象棋爱好者的高度关注和支持，充分发挥出凝心聚力的积极作用。30年来，世象联始终致力于象棋运动的推广，通过组织形式多样的象棋赛事交流活动，助力象棋这项古老的智力运动被越来越多国家和地区的人们所了解和喜爱。随着象棋国际赛事的丰富和创新，我们欣喜地看到越来越多的年轻棋手活跃在世界象棋大家庭，让我们看到了象棋运动的活力与未来！
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the World Xiangqi Federation (WXF). The founding of the WXF has garnered significant attention and support from chess enthusiasts worldwide, effectively harnessing a strong sense of unity. Over the past 30 years, WXF has consistently dedicated itself to the promotion of Xiangqi (Chinese Chess). Through organizing diverse chess events and exchange activities, WXF has played a vital role in helping this ancient intellectual sport gain recognition and popularity in an increasing number of countries and regions.
With the enrichment and innovation of international events and tournaments, we are delighted to witness a growing number of young chess players actively participating in the global Xiangqi community. This showcases the vibrancy and promising future of Xiangqi as a sport.
象棋运动起源于中国，与国际象棋一样，会有“胜负平”三种比赛结果，但象棋比赛当中，把平局，称为“和棋”。和，是对和平、和谐、和而不同的美好向往。在美国首次举办的世界象棋锦标赛，希望能有更广阔的舞台让世界了解这项智力运动的魅力，在胜固欣然和败亦可喜之间，体会握手言和的乐趣。
Xiangqi originated in China, and like international chess, it has three possible outcomes in a match: "win," "lose," and "draw." However, in Chinese Chess, a draw is referred to as a "tie".The term "tie" reflects an aspiration for peace, harmony, and the beauty of diversity. In the first World Xiangqi Championship held in the United States, there is a hope for a broader stage to showcase the charm of this intellectual sport to the world. Between the joy of victory and the acceptance of defeat, one can experience the pleasure of a handshake and mutual agreement, symbolizing the pursuit of harmony and unity.
最后预祝休斯顿第18届世界象棋锦标赛和第四届世界青少年象棋锦标赛圆满成功！祝大家好运！
Finally, I wish the 18th World Xiangqi Championship and the 4th World Youth Xiangqi Championship in Houston a complete success! Good luck to everyone!