ZJU faculty and students join the torch relay of the Hangzhou Asian Games

The Hangzhou Asian Games torch relay concluded on Sept. 20, with China's tennis star WU Yibing completing the final leg as the torchbearer.

WU Yibing, an undergraduate student at the Zhejiang University's School of Public Affairs, made history as the first player from the Chinese mainland to lift an ATP Tour trophy after winning the Dallas Open title on February 12, 2023.

"I've been playing abroad during the last two years and left my home city for such a long time, so being a torchbearer here is such a delight for me," said Wu, who was born in Hangzhou in 1999 and took up tennis at a young age.

Starting in Hangzhou on September 8, the relay featured 2,022 torchbearers, including some faculty members and students from Zhejiang University. They carried the torch through 11 cities in Zhejiang Province, showcasing splendid Chinese culture and heartwarming stories of ordinary people. Let's listen to what some of ZJU torchbearers have to say.

XU Haoxin

Qiushi Distinguished Chair Professor, Dean of the School of Basic Medicine, Professor at the Liangzhu Laboratory

He has dedicated his career to teaching and researching fields such as neurobiology, cell biology, and molecular biology. As an expert in TRP channels and cell organelle ion channels, he pioneered lysosome electrophysiological recording.

"I believe that the spirit of research and the spirit of sports are fundamentally alike. Both require a mindset that confronts challenges head-on without fear. It motivates us to persist and accumulate, much like athletes, in our research journey, contributing to the field of science."

XU Yaping

Deputy Director of the Zhejiang University's China Water Sports Development Center

She is a world champion in kayaking and is the first teacher in China to offer comprehensive water sports courses in a university, including kayaking, canoe polo, paddleboarding, paddleboard yoga, rowing, dragon boating, open water safety, and rescue.

"Inspired by the Olympic spirit, I transitioned from an athlete to a teacher, bringing water sports to countless households and sharing the beauty of green waters and lush mountains. In the future, I will continue forward, striving to become a sports teacher loved by students and living up to their expectations."

CHEN Tianrun

Doctoral student at the School of Computer Science and Technology

He is an entrepreneur who founded MagicCore (Huzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. Chen has received numerous awards and honors, including Special Award of the National Challenge Cup Extracurricular Academic Competition, third place in the Internet+ College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and the title of Zhejiang University's Top Ten Outstanding Students.

"This experience will be forever etched in my heart. I feel the responsibility and mission I carry and the support and unity of society, all coming together to present this grand event of sports and cultural exchange in the best possible way."

HSU Chih-Hung

Principal Investigator at the Institute of Genetics

He has long been dedicated to epigenetic research and has achieved a series of significant results, actively promoting cross-strait exchanges.

"Being able to personally pass on the 'Flame of Inheritance', which originates from the ancient Liangzhu city, representing over five thousand years of Chinese civilization, is of great significance to me. This kind of 'inheritance' is a responsibility, whether tangible or intangible, as we are all torchbearers of human civilization."

SHI Liang

Chief Physician in General Surgery at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine

He has been involved in multiple anti-pandemic efforts and primarily specializes in minimally invasive surgical diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He is also committed to basic research in related fields.

"As a representative of young doctors, I am very fortunate to participate in the Asian Games torch relay. In the future, I will continue to actively respond to the mission of a physician, always practice the compassion of a doctor, and strive for the lifelong development of our country's medical and healthcare industry and the well-being of human physical and mental health."

FU Weiqi

Deputy Director of the Institute of Marine Chemistry and Environment

He has been engaged in research on the adaptive evolution and secondary metabolism of microalgae for an extended period, actively contributing to areas such as microalgae carbon sequestration, biocorrosion prevention, and anti-fouling coatings.

"The Asian Games flame represents the flame of civilization, symbolizing light, unity, friendship, peace, and justice. I am very proud to participate in the torch relay in Zhoushan as a teacher from Zhejiang University's Ocean College, jointly conveying the Asian Games concept of ‘Heart to Heart, @Future’."

QU Fengchong

Vice Dean of the Ocean College, Director of the Institute of Marine Sensing and Networking

He has long been working on teaching and research at the forefront, leading a team to successfully develop domestically produced full-platform long-distance high-speed underwater acoustic communication systems, with achievements selected as one of China's Top Ten Marine Science and Technology Advancements in 2021.

"The ocean connects the world and promotes development, while the torch ignites hope and strength, lighting up our mission and responsibility. I hope to use the torch relay to showcase the Olympic spirit, promote the spirit of progress, and convey a deep love for the ocean."

ZHANG Chenfan

Assistant Director of the Architectural Creation Research Center at the Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University

He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the 2020 Asian Games and Asian Para Games preparations. As an architect, he was deeply involved in the design of the Yinhu Sports Center in Fuyang, serving as the competition venue for shooting, archery, and modern pentathlon events at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

"I hope to transmit the spirit of the Asian Games into architectural creation through the torch relay, delving deeper into how cities, architecture, and the environment can coexist and harmonize. This is our contribution to creating a better living environment for the people and generating greater social value."

PAN Wenwen

Director of the Center for Public Physical Education, Public Sports and Arts Department

She has been working at the forefront of teaching and research, dedicated to reforming physical education and improving students' physical fitness. She was a volunteer for the 1990 Beijing Asian Games and served as the Director of Comprehensive Affairs for the Zhejiang University Gymnasium Operations Team of the Hangzhou Asian Games. 

"Passing on the torch represents beliefs, strength, culture, and spirit. The 'Flame of Inheritance' nurtures hope. As China hosts the 19th Asian Games, we hope that more Chinese people can experience the charm of sports, develop a liking for sports, and fall in love with physical activities, thus achieving a qualitative improvement in the nation's physical fitness."

LI Tiefeng

Professor at the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics

He is engaged in research on soft matter mechanics and intelligent robots.

"Heart to Heart, @Future. During the torch relay, I also felt the spirit of seeking truth and innovation, inspiring us to dedicate ourselves to the construction of our motherland, strengthen our physical fitness, and promote the spirit of striving."

LI Rongwei

Master's student at the School of Art and Archaeology

He volunteered for Zhejiang University Gymnasium Operations Team at the Hangzhou Asian Games. He is a member of the 23rd Graduate Volunteer Teaching Team of Zhejiang University and has received the honor of Outstanding Volunteer Teacher in Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province.

"As a volunteer of the Asian Games, I will always remember the glory of being a torchbearer, do well in my duties of serving the event, and become a cultural ambassador, showcasing the spirit of Chinese youth with our youthful vigor."

GU Zhen

Qiushi Distinguished Chair Professor, Dean of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Director of Zhejiang University Jinhua Research Institute

He has been engaged in research on pharmaceutical formulations and biomaterials for an extended period. Currently, two original technologies developed by him have entered the clinical trial stage. He has received awards such as the Sloan Research Award and the World Youth Innovation Award.

"The torch relay conveys the spirit and strength of unyielding progress and unity. As teachers, we pass on new knowledge and inherit the spirit every day. We will strive to create an innovative talent cultivation system that takes on the mission of making our country a pharmaceutical powerhouse."

QI Bote

Doctoral student at the College of Education

He volunteered for the OCA/APC Headquarters Hotel Operations Team of the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games. He has participated in over ten major sports events, including Charming Hangzhou test events and the National Student Games, accumulating over 700 hours of volunteer service.

"In the future, I will continue to contribute my youthful energy on the Asian Games stage and strive to fulfill the responsibilities of Chinese youth in this era."

GUAN Chenchen

Undergraduate student at the College of Education

She is the women's balance beam champion at the Tokyo Olympics, recipient of the 26th China Youth May Fourth Medal, and a torchbearer for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

"The Asian Games Sacred Flame not only represents the spirit of sports but also carries the friendship and unity that transcend national borders, cultures, and languages. I hope the athletes participating in the Asian Games can embody the spirit of sports, compete at their best, showcase their unique styles, and fully enjoy this sports event."

XU Cai

Specially Appointed Associate Researcher at the Zhejiang University Qushan Research Institute

He is engaged in applied and fundamental research in fields such as heterogeneous catalysis, fine chemicals, and the development and industrialization of chromatographic media microspheres. He is involved in Quzhou's innovation and entrepreneurship project, actively promoting the transformation of high-quality scientific and technological achievements in Quzhou.

"The Asian Games torch 'Flame of Inheritance' not only symbolizes the passing down of Chinese civilization but also represents the intergenerational inheritance of scientific and technological endeavors. Accepting the torch also signifies taking on responsibility. I will continue to work hard and bravely scale the heights of technology."

Photo: Xinhua, CCTV-5, Z视介, the torchbearers