WorldSkills Woodcraft Competition Concludes in Shanghai

China News Service, Shanghai, September 26 (Reporter Li Shuzheng) At about 14:57 on September 26, it was less than 3 minutes before the end of the woodworking competition of this World Skills Competition (hereinafter referred to as the "World Competition"). On the playing field, wooden huts have been erected.

The race has entered the final sprint stage. Some contestants climbed up to their huts to make final reinforcements for the roof; some contestants were polishing the components for excellence. The sidelines were crowded with spectators of different nationalities, and their shouts intertwined and clashed, resounding throughout the venue.

When the timer reached zero, the sound of hammering and grinding suddenly stopped, and even louder cheers broke out in the crowd again. At this point, the three woodcraft competitions of this year’s world competition – woodworking, furniture making and fine woodworking – have all come to an end.

One hammer, one chisel, one planing, one grinding. In every millimeter, it is not only the skills that are tested, but also the player's concentration and ability to withstand pressure.

"I made a few small mistakes, but overall I'm satisfied." Silvan Reichen, a Swiss contestant who participated in the furniture making project, believes that the technical difficulties can be overcome, and the real challenge comes from the sense of urgency brought by the time-limited competition.

The mentality is emboldened by strength. Miao Xiaodong, China's technical director for the fine woodworking project of the World Championships and coach of the national training team, was deeply touched by this. He said that the mental collapse of many players on the field is often caused by a lack of technical confidence. “Only by making up for the technical shortcomings one by one can the psychological shackles be truly released.”

Love drives craftsmen forward. "I found myself in this craft." In the eyes of South African contestant Matete Sibanda, woodworking is not only a skill for making a living and competing in competitions, but also a place where one can place oneself and release creativity.

Mattet's association with woodworking began by chance. With a set of self-made small wooden components, he showed his talent and was appreciated by industry experts, thus embarking on the road of skill competition. Standing on the World Championship stage for the first time and competing with masters from all over the world, he broadened his horizons and set his ambition, "I hope to become a woodworking expert in the future."

Among the three items of woodworking, the furniture making item was the first to complete all competitions. Zhang Sijia, a Chinese contestant who participated in this project, completed 9 scoring modules and approximately 140 scoring items within 4 competition days, with a total competition time of 22 hours. "I only have one chance to participate in the competition in my life. I want to cherish this opportunity and experience it well." Zhang Sijia said.

"It's too crowded halfway up the mountain. I need to go to the top of the mountain to have a look." There was a line of small words posted on Zhang Sijia's name tag.