2026.03.06
The 58th Mei-Chu Games officially kicked off today with a grand opening ceremony. NTHU Vice President Nyan-Hwa Tai (right) and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin marked the start of the Games with a ceremonial gong strike.
The 58th Mei-Chu Games—an annual highlight jointly hosted by National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU)—opened on March 6 with a lively ceremony on campus. NTHU Vice President Nyan-Hwa Tai and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin struck the ceremonial gong together, marking the official start of this year's competition. The resounding gong was met with cheers from students and faculty, setting an energetic tone for the days ahead.
First held in 1969, the Mei-Chu Games have grown into a long-standing tradition and a signature event in Hsinchu each spring. This year's theme, “With unwavering resolve, the bears surge forth with radiant strength; in spirited arenas, the foxes strike with lightning grace,” reflects the determination and spirit both sides bring to the Games.
Opening on March 6, this year's program includes 10 official scoring events: table tennis, badminton, contract bridge, Chinese chess, tennis, women's basketball, men's basketball, men's volleyball, women's volleyball, and baseball. Several exhibition matches—such as billiards, soccer, Go, archery, and softball—are also part of the lineup. Due to a scheduling conflict with the University Baseball League, the baseball game will take place on March 15 at NTHU's baseball field.
At the opening ceremony, varsity teams entered one by one to the cheers of student supporter squads. The athletes' oath was delivered by Hsiang-Ling Hsu of NTHU and Chen-Yu Lin of NYCU, both from the women's volleyball teams. Together with the competitive events, the student-led organization remains at the heart of the Mei-Chu Games, giving the tournament both its competitive edge and its strong sense of tradition.
“NTHU's motto is ‘Self-discipline with social commitment.' The Mei-Chu Games embody a gentlemanly rivalry between our two universities,” said Vice President Nyan-Hwa Tai. Now in its 58th year, he noted, the Games have created cherished memories for generations of alumni. Many have even initiated their own “Alumni Mei-Chu Games” overseas, continuing the legacy of friendship and competition. He encouraged all athletes to compete with composure and give their best on the field.
President Lin added that beyond competition, the Games carry the collective memories and pride of countless students. Referencing Team Chinese Taipei's ongoing efforts in the World Baseball Classic, he highlighted the same perseverance seen both on campus and on the international stage, and wished all athletes the best in their matches.
Hsinchu City Mayor Hung-An Kao also attended to show her support. She described the Mei-Chu Games as something of a citywide celebration and shared plans for greater promotion next year, including featuring the Games on public buses across Hsinchu.
“The Mei-Chu Games represent a legacy of healthy competition and deep-rooted friendship between the two universities,” said Xi-Yuan Chang, Chief Coordinator of the Mei-Chu Organizing Committee. She acknowledged the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event and expressed gratitude to university leadership, advisory members, cheering squads, organizing teams, and alumni supporters. Special thanks were also extended to cheerleading teams, student clubs, and athletes who remained on campus for intensive training during the winter break. Their dedication keeps the spirit of the Games alive.
With the successful completion of the opening ceremony, the 58th Mei-Chu Games have officially begun. Over the coming days, athletes from both universities will compete with passion and determination. Regardless of the final results, the enduring spirit and tradition of the Mei-Chu Games will continue to unite generations of students and create lasting campus memories.
NTHU Vice President Nyan-Hwa Tai (right) and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin jointly struck the gong, officially launching the 58th Mei-Chu Games.
Hsiang-Ling Hsu (left) of the NTHU women's volleyball team and Chen-Yu Lin of the NYCU women's volleyball team delivered the athletes' oath on behalf of all participants.
The NTHU Choir led faculty and students in singing the university anthem.
Cheering squads from both universities brought powerful energy to the venue, rallying support and serving as the athletes' strongest backers.
Now in its 58th year, the Mei-Chu Games welcomed many distinguished guests who came to show their support. From right: NTHU Vice President Nyan-Hwa Tai, Hsinchu City Mayor Hung-An Kao, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin, and Legislator Yu-Hsiang Hung.
Mayor Hung-An Kao noted that the long-standing Mei-Chu Games have become a citywide celebration in Hsinchu and pledged greater promotional support from the city government next year.
Vice President Nyan-Hwa Tai encouraged athletes to embody NTHU's motto—handling either victory or defeat with composure while giving their all on the field.
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin emphasized that the Mei-Chu Games are not only a platform for athletic competition, but also a shared source of youthful memories and pride for generations of students.
Xi-Yuan Chang, Chief Coordinator of this year's Mei-Chu Organizing Committee, reflected on the challenges of organizing the event. She expressed gratitude for the university's guidance and support, and extended thanks to advisory members, cheering squads, organizing teams, and alumni supporters for their dedication.
