Kunshan, China – November
Athletes beamed and the crowd applauded as the DKU Invitational 2036 came to a successful close. From October 31 to November 1, over 500 student-athletes from 9 universities competed across 10 sports over two days, attracting over 5,300 audience both online and in person. Here’s a look back at this year’s Invitational.
Pre-Match Group Photo of Participating Universities
At the Opening Ceremony, Athletic Director Zarko Krkeljas welcomed this year’s expanded lineup of nine universities, including first-time participants, returning teams from nearby universities, and partner Wuhan University. Executive Vice Chancellor John Quelch praised the students’ dedication to sport and encouraged them to carry its lessons in facing challenges into life beyond graduation. Dean of Student Experience Christopher Van Velzer reflected on what gives victory meaning: the training, effort, and support of teammates along the way. He encouraged athletes to value that journey and enjoy the competition.
DKU Students Entering the Opening Ceremony
Both football trophies stayed with the hosts as DKU claimed the men’s and women’s titles. The women’s team won both matches, scoring eleven goals and conceding just one. The men’s title remained undecided until the final match. With all three teams finishing level on points, DKU’s earlier 3–0 win over XJTLU proved crucial, giving them the edge on goal difference to retain the title.
DKU Women’s Football Team in Action
DKU’s women’s basketball team won all three games to claim the title on home court. Two victories came by narrow margins: 39–36 against Wuhan University and 24–23 against Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in their final game. The men’s competition welcomed six teams, its largest field yet. XJTLU took the championship with a 49–31 victory over International Campus, Zhejiang University in the final.
DKU Men’s Basketball Team Battles on the Court
DKU’s women’s volleyball team finished runner-up, following a win over Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and a three-set contest with Wuhan University. Their close final match was a highlight of DKU’s volleyball campaign. Wuhan University claimed the women’s title, while Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University won the men’s competition.
DKU Women’s Volleyball Team Claims Runner-Up Finish
DKU’s ultimate frisbee team finished the tournament as runners-up, with an 11–2 victory over Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University among the highlights of its campaign. All three teams completed their matches on the opening day, with Soochow University winning both games to claim the title.
Ultimate Frisbee Players Compete at the 2026 DKU Invitational
DKU’s badminton team bounced back from an opening loss to win its next two matches, defeating International Campus, Zhejiang University and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University 4–1 each. With two wins from three matches, DKU earned silver in the four-team competition, marking a breakthrough for the team at this year’s Invitational.
DKU Badminton Player Delivers a Powerful Shot
DKU’s tennis team also celebrated a breakthrough. A 4–1 victory over Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University helped secure the silver medal, as the team once again found success in this familiar matchup.
DKU Tennis Players Celebrate a Point
This year’s table tennis competition brought together five university teams for ten matches, making it the largest in the Invitational’s history. The expanded competition provided a platform for student-athletes from different universities to share their enthusiasm for the sport, gain match experience, and build connections across campuses.
DKU Table Tennis Players Ready for the Next Rally
The closing ceremony took place in the Main Basketball Gym on November 1. DKU women’s basketball player Sara Salazar and men’s football player Jiahao Li served as hosts. Dr. Xiaoshu Li, Senior Advisor to Chancellors, congratulated all participants and thanked everyone who contributed to the event. Reflecting on the Invitational’s fourth year, Li emphasized its role in DKU’s educational mission and looked forward to exchanges with more universities. The ceremony continued with awards across ten competitive categories, as champions took the stage to receive their trophies and medals.
Dr. Xiaoshu Li, Senior Advisor to Chancellors, Congratulates All Participants at the Closing Ceremony
The 2026 DKU Invitational brought together student-athletes from nine universities, creating opportunities for friendship and understanding through sport. We thank all athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, staff, and spectators for their contributions and support, and look forward to welcoming everyone back for the next Invitational.
DKU Student-Athletes Gather for a Group Photo After the Invitational
准备好迎接自己的挑战了吗？
