Jiaozuo, Henan, China – September 21
The DKU Taiji Varsity team achieved remarkable success at the 12th China-Jiaozuo International Taijiquan Competition held from September 15 to 21 in Jiaozuo, Henan. The team made history by winning the first prize in this International Category A event for the first time, while also securing first and second places in the Taiji sword individual event.
(Left to right: Haoyuan Zheng, William Zhu, Zhaoxuan Li (captain), Leyan Chen, Yixin Lu)
The competition was co-hosted by the Wushu Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Wushu Association, the Henan Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Jiaozuo Municipal People’s Government. As a premier international Taiji event with over 30 years of history, it attracted 2,568 athletes from 32 countries and regions worldwide, making it the largest edition to date.
Yixin Lu holding award certificates
DKU sent five elite team members who demonstrated excellent skills in the international Taiji competition. According to the team captain, the athletes maintained intensive training right up to the competition, practicing late into the night before the competition. Their solid foundation and steady performance yielded good results: 1 first prize, 5 second prizes, and 4 third prizes.
William Zhu holding award certificates
“These achievements represent two historic breakthroughs for DKU Taiji Varsity team,” said the team coach. “Not only did we secure the top two rankings in individual events at an international open competition for the first time, but we also won our first gold medal at this level. This marks a milestone in DKU’s Taiji development.”
Notably, Jiaozuo, the host city, is recognized as the birthplace of Taijiquan. In 2020, UNESCO inscribed Taijiquan on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, adding special cultural significance to this competition.
The breakthrough in First Prize of International Open Competition
Although established just three years ago, DKU’s Taiji Varsity team has consistently delivered outstanding performances at major events, including the China-ASEAN Online Taijiquan Competition and the 15th Handan International Taijiquan Competition, demonstrating the highest level of collegiate Taiji performance.
Varsity Performance of DKU Tai Chi Team
For the team members, the rewards of this journey extend far beyond the medals. As Zhaoxuan Li shared, “I like seeing everyone gathered in their various Tai Chi uniforms. In that moment, there were no cultural barriers, no age differences, only a shared passion for Taiji.” This connection that transcends competition is perhaps the most beautiful interpretation of Taiji’s charm.
Photos of serious competitors in the competition
“Taiji not only helps students maintain physical and mental well-being and enhance academic focus but has also become an important way for students to understand Chinese culture and display personal charm,” said DKU’s Athletics Taiji Coach. “This outstanding international performance fully demonstrates DKU’s achievements in PE and sports and the distinctive features of our Sino-foreign educational integration.”
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