On September 29, the 2024 DKU Invitational came to a successful close with the crowd cheering enthusiastically. The athletes gave their all, full of energy and passion, lighting up the atmosphere in the stadium. This year’s DKU Invitational attracted over 600 athletes from Duke Kunshan University, Wuhan University, Soochow University, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other sports clubs. The competition covered various events including badminton, basketball, football, volleyball, table tennis, frisbee, and tennis.
Comparing to the Sino-Foreign League Cup, which focuses on Sino-foreign cooperative universities, the DKU Invitational Tournament features not only athletes from Sino-foreign partner institutions but also the domestic universities and local sports clubs. Their friendly participations mark DKU’s efforts to give back to the local community and determination to build friendship through sports event. Furthermore, many local institutions have been invited to experience the unique charm of sports competitions on campus. For DKU, the spirit of sports goes beyond the sweat shed on the field; it embodies an important mission of cultural exchange and the fostering of friendship.
Chancellor Liu Yaolin of Duke Kunshan University delivered the opening speech on the field. He stated, “At the DKU Invitational, we are witnessing student-athletes from over 20 countries showcasing their extraordinary talents and unwavering spirit. This diversity not only enhances the competitive spirit but also reflects the inclusive global community we strive to foster at our institutions. ”
Dr. Li Xiaoshu, Senior Advisor to Chancellors, highly praised the outstanding performance of the athletes at the conference and expressed gratitude to those involved for their efforts in successfully organizing the Second DKU Sports Invitational.
After the speech, Dr. Li Xiaoshu exchanged jerseys with Dr. Luo Jiangbo, Director of the Sports Department at Wuhan University, symbolizing the friendship between the two institutions and wishing for their future collaborative development and lasting friendship.
Talking about the purpose of hosting DKU Invitational, Director of DKU Athletics, Dr. Zarko Krkeljas, said: “DKU Invitational is more than a competition. It’s an event where students from DKU and our partner universities come together and connect through sports and we are truly bounded by this game.”
In this year’s Invitational, DKU Varsity Teams had an outstanding performance, with the women’s football, volleyball, and frisbee teams winning championships, showcasing DKU’s strength. The women’s basketball, badminton, and tennis teams earned 2nd place, while the men’s football, basketball, and table tennis teams took 3rd place, reflecting the athletes’ resilience and talent. Meanwhile, Soochow University won the men’s football and basketball, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University excelled in tennis and table tennis, and Wuhan University claimed victories in women’s basketball, badminton, and men’s volleyball.
Men’s basketball team experienced a historic moment this year — their first-ever victory over Wuhan University’s men’s basketball team. After an intense battle, DKU triumphed with a score of 47-42, with the players giving their all on the court, and the crowd cheered loudly, making every moment exciting.
Women’s Volleyball Team repeated last year’s success, winning the championship undefeated. They beat Soochow 2-0 and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool 2-1, showcasing strength and teamwork. The women’s football team also impressed, winning 1-0 against Soochow and dominating Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool 7-0 to claim the championship and become a tournament highlight easily.
As a new event this year, the frisbee competition drew great attention. DKU’s team narrowly lost to Soochow University 8-9, then won 9-8 against Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool. With solid teamwork and strategy, they claimed the championship and quickly became rising stars in the sport.
In addition to the matches, the halftime performances were also a highlight, with DKU’s Street Dance, Judo, and Kendo clubs showcasing energy, strength, and skill, captivating the audience and adding a special touch to the event.
2024 DKU Invitational was a great success, showing the outstanding skills of athletes from all universities and strengthening the sports exchange and friendships between DKU and other schools. We look forward to the next tournament, where we’ll once again see people Bound by the Game!
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