On the afternoon of October 19, to enhance exchanges and friendship between faculty and students of China and Pakistan, the "Pakistan-China Badminton Friendship Tournament," jointly organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou and the Center for Pakistan Studies at Shenzhen University, and co-organized by the Institute of Area Studies and International Communication, the College of International Studies, the College of International Exchange, the Wenshanhu Student Community Management Committee, and the College of Physical Education at Shenzhen University, was held as scheduled.
The tournament featured 40 student participants, including 20 Pakistani students. Adopting a single-elimination, round-robin format for singles matches, the players stretched their limbs, performed lunges and leg stretches, sweating it out during warm-ups on the sidelines, each movement reflecting focus and anticipation.
The first round, narrowing the field from 40 to 32, saw players contesting every point. The best-of-one-game, first-to-21-points format created an intensely tense atmosphere, as a succession of powerful smashes and delicate drop shots unfolded across the courts. Eight players were unfortunately eliminated, and the remaining 32 were then divided into upper and lower brackets. The subsequent second round, from 32 to 16, saw players sprinting and leaping across the court, pushing the offensive and defensive tempo to the limit. Ultimately, 16 strong players advanced, marking an exciting start to the later stages of the tournament。
Following the conclusion of the first half of the matches, all participants gathered for a valuable group photo at the center of the venue with Mr. Sardar Muhammad, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Guangzhou, Mr. Muqeet Asim Muhammad Shah, Deputy Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Guangzhou, Professor Dai Yonghong, Dean of the College of International Studies at Shenzhen University, Mr. Wang Xiangyu from the Institute of Area Studies and International Communication at Shenzhen University, and other leaders and representatives from both sides. This photo not only captured an essential moment of the friendship tournament but also symbolised the profound friendship between China and Pakistan in the field of educational and cultural exchanges.
After the group photo, the matches resumed, with the atmosphere growing even more fervent. Players gave their all, and the audience responded with continuous applause. The latter part of the event featured the third through seventh rounds, continuing the singles elimination format. Chinese and Pakistani players warmed up actively before matches. They competed with full effort during play, controlling the shuttlecock’s speed and rhythm through varied techniques and skilful power application, making the matches intensely competitive and thrilling. The referees officiated diligently, ensuring fair and orderly competition. Meanwhile, the spectators were highly enthusiastic, frequently cheering for the players, creating an excellent viewing atmosphere.
After the matches, the event proceeded to the award ceremony. Mr Sardar Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Guangzhou, and Professor Dai Yonghong, Dean of the College of International Studies at Shenzhen University, delivered speeches respectively. The Consul General, in his address, reviewed the iron-clad friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan 74 years ago and emphasised that this tournament served as an essential platform for exchanges between the youth of the two countries. He also expressed high praise for the Centre for Pakistan Studies at Shenzhen University, a co-organising institution, calling it a "cradle for the future guardians of Pakistan-China relations." Professor Dai Yonghong thanked all participants, volunteers, and organising units for their efforts, stating in his speech: “The friendship between China and Pakistan is higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans. The spirit of the Olympic Games is ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger,’ but the friendship between the peoples of China and Pakistan is not about winning or losing; what matters more is the opportunity to compete together on the same court.” He further expressed his hope to establish this tournament as an annual brand event to promote continuous people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan.
The champion of this year’s tournament was Bao Yule from the College of Civil and Transportation Engineering. Zheng Yulin from the College of Fintech secured the runner-up position. The joint third-place winners were Amir Shahzad from the College of International Exchange and He Chuanjian from the College of Electronics and Information Engineering. All participants received certificates of participation as mementoes.
Following the award ceremony, a final group photo was taken to capture this unforgettable moment filled with friendship and sporting spirit. Champion Bao Yule said in an interview: "I am thrilled to win the championship, and the sincere congratulations from my opponents after the matches made me feel especially warm. I look forward to continuing to foster friendship through badminton in the future, ensuring the lasting friendship between China and Pakistan." Runner-up Zheng Yulin also shared his experience: "Competing with our Pakistani brothers on the court was a delightful experience. We built friendships through the game and exchanged good wishes afterwards, allowing me to feel the profound friendship between China and Pakistan personally." Additionally, Pakistani third-place winner Amir Shahzad from the College of International Exchange stated: “This friendship tournament was not just a sports competition but a celebration of the friendship and unity between our two countries. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Consulate General of Pakistan and the College of International Exchange at Shenzhen University for their outstanding efforts in organising this meaningful event. Today’s victory does not belong to any individual — it’s a victory for our iron-clad friendship!”
This Pakistan-China Badminton Friendship Tournament served not only as a window for youth exchange but also as a grand event for cultural interaction and emotional bonding. Using badminton as a medium and everyday language, it brought together the youth of both nations, deepened mutual understanding, and injected new vitality into the all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan.
First Proofreader: Li Jiayi
Second Proofreader: Wang Xiangyu
Third Proofreader: Dai Yonghong
