ZJU’s 2025 Sports Meet: students and teachers embrace sports passion

"I declare the 2025 Sports Meet of Zhejiang University officially open!" With the announcement by President MA Yanming, the 2025 Sports Meet of Zhejiang University kicked off on the morning of October 24th. As dynamic music played, parade formations from various colleges entered the stadium with unified steps and spirited slogans, showcasing the vibrant morale of ZJU students. University leaders, faculty members, and student representatives gathered to witness the opening of this annual sporting event.

At the opening ceremony, ZHENG Haokai, representing the athletes, pledged to practice the sporting spirit of faster, higher, stronger, together with full enthusiasm and determination. FU Yuanhui from the Department of Public Sports and Art delivered the oath on behalf of the referees, promising to strictly abide by the competition rules and referee discipline, and complete all refereeing duties.

The traditional Sunshine Fitness Run was the first event. Faculty and students embarked on a four-kilometer journey from the East Track and Field. "It's a great way to get some sun, exercise, and relieve academic stress," said ZHANG Duohui, a freshman in accounting. "It was a bit tiring, but finishing it with my classmates made it all worthwhile," shared YU Leyan, a student from the Class of 2025, majoring in artificial intelligence.

"The most important thing is to surpass myself. Even though I was injured during training, I insisted on running. I just love this feeling of chasing the wind," said HAN Yali, a student from the the Class of 2025 at the school of Education, majoring in physical education.

The passion for sports often develops into a lifelong habit. "I've signed up for the campus run every year since my sophomore year. It always brings both physical and mental relaxation, and it has gradually become a hobby," said DING Shuguang, a master’s student from the Class of 2024 studying mechanical engineering.

For some, sports are an extension of their academic pursuits. WANG Zixian, a doctoral student from the Class of 2025 at the school of Medicine (orthopedics), combines his professional knowledge with his passion. "Using anatomical knowledge to think about how to exert force and continuously improve myself brings a great sense of accomplishment."

The event also highlighted strong community bonds. Beside the 1500-meter track, KONG Jing, a freshman majoring in applied biological science, ran alongside her sister, KONG Fei. "With my sister's constant encouragement, I was surprised that I gritted my teeth and persevered," KONG Fei said.

Participation extended across the university. "Consistent exercise enhances physical fitness and alleviates work pressure", remarked FAN Chao, a research fellow at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, after competing in the faculty 100-meter race.

This year's meet was not only a sporting competition but also a showcase of the spirit, reflecting the motto, No sports, no education. The track may be short, but the road of life is long.

Adapted and translated from the article written by BAI Xufie, JI Siyu, PAN Ziyi, CHEN Yuting, WU Wenbo
Translator: ZHENG Shaoyan ('26, Law)
Photo: the interviewees, TIAN Siqi, ZHU Yaokun, LIN Qianxu, WANG Yinuo, ZHANG Jiazhen, ZHANG Jiahui, WEN Huiqing, LI Chenhao, PAN Ziyi, CHEN Yuting, YU Ziyi, ZHE Ying.
Editor: HAN Xiao