DAKAR, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- In Senegal, wrestling is a centuries-old tradition and is many people's favorite sport. However, Senegalese people in the past never owned a modern wrestling field. Football fields were often used temporarily as the competing ground.

In 2018, the China-funded modern wrestling arena was handed over to the West African nation. Located in the suburb of Dakar, the capital city, the modern wrestling ground is the largest Chinese-funded project in Senegal and the first modern wrestling ground on the African continent. Now it has become a new landmark of Dakar and many wrestling competitions have taken place here even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The wrestling ground covers an area of about 18,000 square meters, which can accommodate 20,000 spectators at the same time.

The Dakar wrestling ground is the epitome of deepening cooperation between China and Senegal. Over the years, China has also funded other projects including the National Center for the Performing Arts in Senegal, the Museum of Black Civilization, the Children's Hospital and the Sports and Fitness Park. These projects have brought tangible benefits to the local people and boosted people-to-people exchanges.

Photo taken on Nov. 21, 2021 shows the exterior view of the National Wrestling Arena in Dakar, Senegal. (Xinhua/Li Yan)

Photo taken on Nov. 21, 2021 shows the exterior view of the National Wrestling Arena in Dakar, Senegal. (Xinhua/Li Yan)

Contestants take part in a wrestling match at the National Wrestling Arena in Dakar, Senegal, Nov. 21, 2021.(Xinhua/Li Yan)