2026.03.16
After the matches concluded on the evening of March 8, NTHU and NYCU jointly released celebratory streamers, marking a moment of shared pride.
The 58th Mei-Chu Games came to a close following the final baseball matchup, with the overall championship ending in a rare tie. After three days of intense competition and a decisive final game, National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) each secured five points, bringing this year's Games to an even 5–5 finish.
First held in 1969, the Mei-Chu Games are an annual intercollegiate competition jointly organized by NTHU and NYCU. Held each spring, the event has become one of the most iconic campus traditions in Hsinchu. For over half a century, the Games have served not only as a platform for athletic competition, but also as a shared space for student memories, campus culture, and school pride.
This year's Games, which opened on March 6, featured 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, alongside a range of exhibition matches. Across the board, athletes demonstrated a high level of competitiveness, with many contests decided by narrow margins—highlighting both skill and teamwork at the collegiate level.
By the evening of March 8, NTHU had secured victories in badminton, tennis, women's basketball, and men's volleyball, while NYCU led in table tennis, Chinese chess, men's basketball, contract bridge, and women's volleyball. With only a one-point difference separating the two sides, the overall title remained undecided, setting the stage for a decisive final baseball game.
The final baseball matchup took place on March 15 at NTHU's baseball field. Both teams delivered a spirited performance, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd throughout the game. After a hard-fought contest, NTHU claimed a 12–8 victory, evening the overall score to 5–5 and sealing a rare tie for this year's Mei-Chu Games.
“We go into every game aiming to win,” said Kun-Han Lin, head coach of the NTHU baseball team. He noted that the pressure was especially high heading into the decisive match, but an early lead helped boost the team's confidence. Expressing trust in his players, he also shared optimism about the team's future performance.
At the closing ceremony on March 8, both universities released streamers symbolizing friendship and honor—purple for NTHU and blue for NYCU—filling the arena in a celebratory display. Student cheering squads from both sides also joined voices in a spirited chant, signaling a moment of reconciliation after days of intense rivalry.
NTHU President W. John Kao described the Mei-Chu Games as a cherished tradition shared by both universities. “Regardless of the outcome, every athlete who gave their all on the field deserves recognition—they are all heroes in our eyes,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, working teams, advisory members, and student cheering squads for their dedication to sustaining this long-standing tradition. Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of continued mutual inspiration between the two universities, both in athletics and academics.
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin likewise commended the athletes of both universities for their perseverance and sportsmanship. He noted that the Mei-Chu Games represent athletic excellence, teamwork and campus unity. In addition to thanking the players and coaches, he extended appreciation to all who contributed to the event—including the cheering squads, cheerleaders, organizing committees, university staff, and the many students and alumni in attendance—stating that the honor of the Games belongs to every participant.
The final result of this year's Mei-Chu Games was a 5–5 tie, with both universities earning five points each.
NTHU's baseball team delivered a strong all-around performance, securing the decisive fifth point with a 12–8 victory.
In badminton, Yi-Sheng Hsiao (left) and Kuan-Yi Chan represented NTHU as a doubles pair, claiming a win for the team.
The NTHU women's basketball team triumphed 73–64, with No. 55 Hsin-Yu Chiang delivering an outstanding performance.
NTHU tennis player Hao-Yu Huang maintained consistent form, helping the team secure its fourth consecutive win in the Mei-Chu Games
The NTHU men's volleyball team earned a crucial fourth point, with No. 1 Nai-Yuan Liang's powerful spikes breaking through the opponent's defense.
The men's basketball game, which took place on the evening of March 7, featured intense on-court competition and continuous cheers from the crowd.
The NTHU women's volleyball team demonstrated true sportsmanship, fighting until the very last point.
Guided by the motto “Unity, Focus, and Excellence,” the NTHU table tennis team gave their all in every match.
