Highlights from ZJU's 2026 sports meet

Under the autumn sun, Zhejiang University's 2026 sports meet opened at the Zijingang Campus, drawing students, faculty and staff onto the track for running, jumping and cheering at full volume. President Ma Yanming declared the games open, and Zhu Hui, vice chairperson of the University Council, delivered the opening speech. 

Before the competition began, Ma Zirui, a first-year student from Danyang&Qingxi Community Qiushi College, took the athletes' oath, promising to observe the rules, respect the judges and the rivals, and compete to the best of their ability. Fu Yuanhui of the Department of Public Physical and Art Education took the referees' oath on behalf of the officials, pledging fair, serious and professional judging throughout the meet.

A sunshine long run then set off from the east track field. Teachers and students ran side by side — not a race against one another, but a shared journey, in which persistence could be felt in every stride.

On the field, the meet also produced moments of personal reflection. "I did not run the time I had hoped for, but standing on the 100-metre track was an answer to myself, and a long-held wish fulfilled," said Dong Beichen, a 2024 undergraduate from the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Wang Junjie, a 2024 accounting student in the intelligent finance programme, added that regular exercise outside class helps him stay energetic and study more efficiently.

"I tried the javelin because its throwing motion feels close to badminton, which I play for fun — it is an extension of my hobby, and a way to feel the sporting atmosphere on campus," said Wang Zhengjie, a 2025 doctoral student in polymer science. After winning the men's 400 metres in the undergraduate group, Liu Chang, a 2026 undergraduate from Yunfeng College of the engineering experimental class, said what he would remember most was the banter with his newly made rivals before the race: We were not opponents trying to outdo each other, but comrades running towards our limits together.

As the sunlight fell on the track and on everyone who took part, the meet left behind more than results — it carried forward the passion and persistence of a community striding towards a wider world.

Adapted and translated from the article written by Zhong Nianyu, Kang Shun, Yu Ziyi and Zhang Shufan
Photo: Ting Guang, Lei Liming, Tian Siqi and the Department of Public Physical and Art Education
Translator: Hu Chenyue
Editor: Hu Chenyue