Gift 'showcases Senegalese culture'

President Xi Jinping attended the handover ceremony on Sunday of a landmark stadium in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, in a move demonstrating China's support for the West African country's goal of developing its sports and cultural heritage.

The Chinese-built wrestling stadium covers 18,000 square meters and has a 20,000-seat capacity. Completed in May, it is the first and only venue built in Africa specifically for wrestling, China Radio International reported on Thursday.

Wrestling is a national sport in Senegal, and is immensely popular. Many consider it "a mirror showcasing the Senegalese culture", and an elaborate ritual is held before every match, the report said.