From ZJU to the world: referees show ZJU’s commitment on the global stage

Recently, at two top-tier international sporting events in different disciplines, LUO Wenshen and XU Man from the Department of Public Physical and Art Education of ZJU, served as referees on the global stage. Through their professional officiating and rigorous work ethic, they vividly demonstrated the professionalism and sense of responsibility of Zhejiang University's sports community to the world.

LUO Wenshen: The "ZJU Referee" at the Men’s Volleyball World Championship

At the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship in Quezon City, Philippines, Associate Professor LUO Wenshen from the Department of Public Physical and Art Education at Zhejiang University, and head coach of ZJU’s women’s volleyball team, took on the prestigious role of an FIVB Class A referee. Through his professionalism and composure on the court, he left a distinctive ZJU mark on one of the world’s most competitive volleyball stages.

Among the only three FIVB Class A indoor volleyball referees in China, LUO stands out for his long-term dedication to the sport. Since 2003, he has served as a referee accompanying the national volleyball team, gaining extensive experience and earning a strong reputation both at home and abroad.
Known as the "measure of fairness" on the court, LUO handles every match with precision and composure. Whether bending down to check the tiniest details of the net during a dispute or standing tall on the referee's chair in a tense final, he exemplifies professionalism, calm judgment, and integrity. Beyond the world stage, he continues to contribute to the growth of volleyball in China, nurturing new generations of talent.

For more than thirty years, LUO has devoted himself to volleyball education at Zhejiang University. Under his leadership, the ZJU women's volleyball team has achieved remarkable results in national and international university competitions, including the National University League and the World University Games. By introducing international refereeing concepts and advanced rules into the classroom, he has trained numerous national-level referees. As the chief editor of multiple volleyball textbooks, he continues to promote the professionalization and systematization of volleyball education in China.

Xu Man: A Just and Steadfast Referee in Women's Wushu Arenas

From September 21 to 26, 2025, the first-ever China-ASEAN Women's Wushu Championship took place in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, bringing together top female athletes from China and ASEAN nations. Beyond showcasing exceptional athletic talent, the event served as a dynamic platform for regional sports and cultural exchange, while promoting the Olympic spirit and advancing the cause of gender equality in sports.

XU Man, Associate Professor at Zhejiang University and coach of the university's general Wushu team, was honored to be invited by the China-ASEAN Wushu Federation as Deputy Chief Referee. Collaborating closely with technical officials from China and ASEAN countries, she played a pivotal role in ensuring the championship upheld the highest standards of professionalism and fairness.

With years of commitment to teaching and promoting Wushu, XU brings rich experience in officiating both domestic and international competitions. Whether it is preparing athletes with rule training, making precise calls during matches, or summarizing technical aspects afterward, she approaches each responsibility with strict professionalism and unwavering dedication, earning high praise from athletes, officials, and organizers alike.

In their respective fields, LUO and XU have showcased Zhejiang University's  excellence on the world stage through their prowess and dedication, upholding the Olympic spirit. While they are champions of fairness in international competitions, they are equally devoted mentors, nurturing the next generation of sports talent at ZJU.

Join us in celebrating these two remarkable ZJU referees who have excelled the global stage. We eagerly anticipate their future achievements in international sports and look forward to seeing more Zhejiang University alumni shine across diverse fields, contributing to national development and international collaboration.

Adapted and translated from the article written by Department of Public Physical and Art Education, Zhejiang University 
Translator: LIU Zhenghao (2026', Law)
Photo: the interviewees 
Editor: HAN Xiao