Bahraini shooter keen in Chinese calligraphy

Bahraini shooter Sabika Mubarak poses with her Chinese calligraphy in front of the exhibition wall. [Photo/China Daily]

Why do you want to learn Chinese calligraphy?

The Chinese culture has a very long history, and it is fascinating and mysterious to us foreigners. I always wanted to get to know the culture, and I think learning Chinese is the first step. As well as my name, I can now write my mom's and dad's names. But it is a little hard for me.

As a Chinese, I am amazed by your skill. Your brush writing is even better than mine. How did you do that?

It was my first try writing characters with a brush pen, but I had some experience using a normal pen, so that helped me a little. Also, the teacher here is good. She showed me every stroke very clearly and told me to write as smoothly as possible. And I got into a groove while I was writing.

There are many copies of athletes' handwriting or even drawing behind you on the wall. Do you want to hang yours there? And which one do you like?

I saw the copies the first time I walked into the room and I stood there for a long time appreciating them. I like the Chinese painting of the dragon, it's vivid and beautiful. It would be nice to put up my copy on the wall, but I still want to keep it and take it home. Maybe I will write another copy and leave it here.

Your event has finished. Can you tell us what impressed you during the competition?

It went well, you know. The organization was effective and the venue was very good. The site is a little far from the Athletes' Village. When we got up early in the morning, I saw everybody fall asleep again in the bus. It was so quiet in the bus but very interesting.

If you come back to Guangzhou for a tour, where would you want to visit?

I don't know because I haven't had time to see the scenic places here. But I have heard of some nice areas and I know the Cantonese dishes are very famous. There are also some restaurants recommended in the newspaper. If I come here again, I would like to go to them and try their food.