Global youth ace cultural exchange at Shanghai tennis invitational

The 2026 International University Tennis Friendship Invitational & Cultural Exchange Week concluded at the Xianxia Tennis Center in Shanghai on Monday, bringing together 54 student-athletes and coaches from 11 universities across 10 countries and regions.

Co-organized by East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) and Shanghai Juss Sports Group, the event featured universities worldwide, including McGill University, Monash University, Complutense University of Madrid, and the Russian University of Sport (RUS).

Over three days of competition, Australia's Monash University and host ECUST defended their titles in the Men's and Women's Team events, respectively. First-time participant Ilia Mukhin (RUS) won the Men's Singles, while Tang Xiao (ECUST) claimed the Women's Singles. Soochow University and ECUST secured victories in the Men's and Women's Doubles.

Beyond the tennis courts, international participants engaged in rich cultural exchange. Activities included visits to high-tech academic laboratories, traditional dragon dancing lessons, tours of Suzhou's classical gardens, and experiencing modern urban life via shared bikes and public transit in Shanghai. Delegates also visited key historical landmarks to deepen their understanding of modern China.

"Tennis and sports serve as a bridge and universal language for young people to build understanding and deepen friendship," said Zhu Weihong, vice-president of ECUST. Leonid Ivanov, a coach from RUS, described the event as a form of "people-to-people diplomacy" that unites people from different corners of the world.

Ma Tan contributed to this story.