BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- A five-day national Koran recital competition concluded in Beijing on Wednesday, with 13 candidates winning awards.

    The competition, which was sponsored by the China Islamic Association, (CIA) was attended by 56 candidates of six ethnic groups from 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

    At the closing ceremony, CIA President Chen Wenyuan encouraged reciters to study "the profound essence of the Koran so as to carry forward Islamic traditions and contribute their bit to religious and social harmony".

    The CIA has so far sent about 40 experts in reciting the Koran to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Malaysia to attend international Koran recital competitions.