Beijing, China—In a vibrant display of sportsmanship and cultural unity, Tsinghua University recently hosted the China-U.S. University Fencing Invitational and Cultural Exchange. Co-organized by the Ministry of Education’s China Center for International People-to-People Exchange and Tsinghua University, the event brought together 24 talented athletes from five prestigious universities: Tsinghua University, Peking University, Sun Yat-sen University, Stanford University, and Columbia University.
The competition, held on Sunday at Tsinghua’s North Gymnasium, embraced a unique mixed-team format. Athletes were randomly assigned to four teams of six, transcending nationalities and university affiliations. The match order was determined by drawing lots, adding an element of surprise and camaraderie to the event.
Yu Changxue, director of the Ministry of Education’s China Center for International People-to-People Exchange, highlighted the significance of sports in bridging cultural divides. “Sports play a crucial role in cultural exchange, helping to build mutual understanding and friendship among nations,” Yu remarked.
Expressing optimism about the event’s impact, Yu added, “Through this fencing invitational, we hope students can transcend cultural and language differences, forge strong friendships, and become ambassadors of cultural exchange between China and the U.S., contributing to the ongoing development of friendly relations between the two countries.”
Echoing this sentiment, Shi Zongkai, vice chairperson of the University Council at Tsinghua, stated, “We are confident that the exchange fostered by this competition will deepen understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship and trust between Chinese and American students.”
Beyond the competition, participants immersed themselves in China’s rich history and culture. They visited iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, and explored the scenic Tsinghua University campus. The students also showcased their talents in a joint cultural performance, sharing the stage in a celebration of unity and mutual respect.
The China-U.S. University Fencing Invitational stands as a testament to the unifying power of sports and the enduring value of people-to-people exchanges in fostering global harmony.
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China-U.S. fencing invitational at Tsinghua promotes cultural exchange
cgtn.com
