Shuttlecocks flew and friendships grew as young people came together through sport. As a featured activity of the 2026 China–ASEAN Youth Culture Week, the China–ASEAN Youth Sports Friendship Tournament was successfully held at Beijing Sport University on November 1.
Jointly organized by the Cultural Communication Center of China International Communications Group and the School of International Education and Exchange at Beijing Sport University, the event embraced the theme “A New Journey in Harmony: Youth in Action through Exchanges among Civilizations.” It brought together young people from different countries to compete, connect, and learn from one another through sport.
Pre-tournament group photo
The event attracted enthusiastic participants from China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries. Players formed their own teams and demonstrated their creativity through a colorful selection of team names: Chen Huang Bu Rang, Lin Yu Shuang Yao, Bai Luo Bo, Di Yi Shen Qing, Xiao Pa Cai, Xuan Yue Ling Xiao, Wu Qi Ha, Qing Feng Yu, Yu Shang Hao Xin Qing, Yu Ni Xiang, Tong Xing, Yuan Fang, Mu Yu Zu He, Jia Shi Bo, Yu Mu Zu He, and Ma Lai Bu. Many international students from ASEAN countries joined in, with the imaginative names reflecting their humor and adding to the lively, welcoming atmosphere.
The event also featured a Baduanjin (Eight-Section Brocade) cultural experience. Chinese and international participants learned the traditional Chinese exercise together, discovering its cultural appeal while enjoying relaxed and friendly interaction. The session also served as a warm-up for the badminton tournament, bringing traditional Chinese physical culture together with a modern racket sport.
Baduanjin cultural experience
As the badminton competition began, teams took to the courts in turn. With quick footwork and skillful serves, drop shots, smashes, and saves, players delivered exciting rallies that drew cheers from spectators.
Throughout the tournament, participants upheld the principle of “Friendship First, Competition Second.” They competed with determination on the court and exchanged warm greetings off it. Through every rally, they bridged differences in language and culture, deepened mutual understanding, and demonstrated the energy and enthusiasm of young people from across the region.
Teamwork extended well beyond the courts. International students actively supported the event, contributing to competition planning, the design and production of event materials, scorekeeping, on-site coordination, staffing the medical support station, and preparing emergency supplies. Working closely together, these young volunteers helped ensure that every stage of the tournament ran smoothly.
After several rounds of knockout matches, Ma Lai Bu overcame successive challenges to claim the championship. Chen Huang Bu Rang finished as runner-up, while Jia Shi Bo secured third place.
The event concluded with a brief awards ceremony, during which the winning teams received certificates and souvenirs. All competitors also received commemorative participation certificates. Players, young volunteers, faculty members, and students then gathered for a group photo, capturing a memorable moment of international youth exchange through sport.
A small shuttlecock carried a powerful message of friendship. Through shared effort and spirited play, young people from China and ASEAN deepened their understanding of one another and forged new connections, demonstrating the unique power of sport to bring people together across borders.
