On October 24, the 26th Freshmen Table‑Tennis Tournament, also known as the “Freshmen Cup”, hosted by the Dalian University of Technology Sports Committee, concluded at the Liu Changchun Gymnasium. Eighteen new international students from 12 countries of the School of International Education took part in the event. They competed alongside 121 domestic freshmen from across the university, forming a vibrant cross‑cultural highlight of the tournament.
On the court, international student competitors displayed great enthusiasm and fine sportsmanship. Some were new to China’s national sport, carefully practising every serve and rally at the table. Others possessed intermediate‑to‑advanced skills, delivering impressive loop drives and powerful smashes in group and knockout matches. Though skill levels varied, their passion for table tennis was shared by all.
VERONIKA STUKALOVA from Russia fought her way to fourth place in the women’s singles event. Her compatriot ALEKSANDRA ANTIPOVA delivered steady play and finished eighth in women’s singles. Standing out among many strong Chinese competitors, their results came from hours of after‑class practice and active learning from Chinese peers. The audience repeatedly gave warm applause to these overseas players.
Limited by language barriers, the small table‑tennis ball builds cross‑border bonds. During breaks, freshmen of different nationalities gathered around tables, demonstrating strokes and sharing playing tips. After matches, winners and losers shook hands and took photos together. Serves, returns, rallies and saves followed the same rules. Great play earned cheers regardless of language. Table tennis has become a small window for international students to know China and fit into campus life at DUT.
Sport serves as a gentle yet solid bridge for cultural exchange. This competition not only offered international students a stage for athletic performance, but also vividly put into practice the School of International Education’s philosophy: “educate through sports and build friendships via sports”. When foreign youth grow fond of China’s national sport, classroom language learning extends to friendly matches on the table. Cultural exchange takes place naturally amid sweat and laughter.
Going forward, the School of International Education will further integrate sports activities into international student training. More overseas students will get to understand China and connect with the world through sports, and write their own youthful stories on the DUT campus.
