Sheinbaum Says She Practices Qigong, Proposes Creating a Mexican Qigong Federation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum presents a new security strategy against violence for Michoacan state, at the National Palace in Mexico City on Nov. 9, 2025. Claudia Rosel/AP PhotoMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that she practices qigong, a type of ancient Chinese discipline, to improve her physical and mental health. She also raised the possibility of her government promoting the creation of a Mexican federation for the discipline.“As president, it’s very difficult to go out for a run, so now I’m practicing this discipline [qigong],” Sheinbaum said during a morning news conference on Aug. 12 at the National Palace in Mexico City.The president explained that she was initially interested in learning tai chi, but the head of the National Sports Commission, Rommel Pacheco, introduced her to the Chinese discipline instead.“In fact, I told him, ‘Let’s see if we can set up a federation for that sport in Mexico,’” Sheinbaum said.Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that helps balance the body’s internal energy, known as qi, according to Stony Brook Medicine, the academic medical center at the State University of New York. It also improves posture and promotes the physical, mental, and spiritual health of those who practice it.Sheinbaum shared these remarks after being asked about her favorite sport.She explained that as a child she practiced ballet extensively, and later, while at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), she set aside her career as a dancer to focus on her physics studies.“From there, I went to the other extreme—I took up rowing, I was on the UNAM rowing team … and later I competed in track and field at UNAM as well,” she said.Mexico’s president then took the opportunity to highlight the importance of sports as part of the well-rounded education of children and young people across the country.“There may be a girl or a boy who won’t make it to the Central American Games, the Pan American Games, or the Olympics, but it’s essential for their development that they participate in some kind of sport,” Sheinbaum said.She emphasized that sports build character strengths such as discipline, self-confidence, and collaborative learning, especially when promoted in schools.She also noted that support should encompass both recreational and competitive sports, as athletes can serve as role models for new generations and strengthen national pride.Sheinbaum’s remarks came during a visit to the National Palace by Mexican athletes who had outstanding performances at the 2026 Central American Games, bringing home 407 medals—165 gold, 125 silver, and 115 bronze.