ISLAMABAD (APP) - Colourful lively performances by the students of Chinese Language Department of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) on Thursday enthralled audience during a contest held here in the university. The students presented a big variety of programmes in Chinese language comprising speeches, quiz, songs and calligraphy to display what they have learned during the course. Among loud applause and clapping of the audience, the students also presented magic shows, Xinjiang dance, musical chairs, Taiji and chopsticks competition. Besides Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Lou Zhaohui, Councillor Cultural Department of Chinese Embassy Yang Lin Hai and other Chinese officials, the programme was attended by Rector NUML Professor Aziz Ahmed, heads of different departments of the university and a large number of students and faculty members. Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan lauded the performance of the contestants. He appreciated the efforts of Chinese language department of NUML and observed that holding of such contests provided a good opportunity to all those, who were interested to experience fascinating aspects of the Chinese culture. He said besides providing wonderful opportunity to learners of Chinese language to practice the language in an enjoyable and challenging way, such contests showed how deep-rooted Sino-Pak ties were. Rector NUML Professor Aziz Ahmed said that the Chinese language was almost 5,000 years old and it was one of the most spoken language of the world. He said holding of speech and other contests in NUML were reflective of the fact that like other parts of the world Chinese language had also great importance in Pakistan. He said relations between Pakistan and China were eternal and would keep on bolstering with the passage of time. He thanked Chinese Ambassador for taking out time for the programme despite his pressing engagements. At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed among the winners of the contests. Competitor Hasib got first position for performing extraordinarily in speech, song and quiz contests. Nasir Ding and Tariq both stood second in the competition, while Irfan Malik, Majabeen and Adil secured third position. Hasib was also selected to participate in the 8th Chinese Bridge Language Proficiency Contest for foreign college students to be held in China in July. The event would provide him an opportunity to express his fun and talent in China.