Title Sponsored by: The LK Autobody
In March, Toronto was still chilly with the lingering effects of early spring, but the enthusiasm of Southeast University alumni had already ignited the competition. The “Jinling Cup” Nanjing University Table Tennis Warm-up Tournament, meticulously organized by the Southeast University Alumni Association, successfully concluded on March 28th. This was not only a sporting event showcasing competitive skill and igniting passion, but also a warm gathering connecting alumni at home and abroad and carrying forward the spirit of Southeast University’s sportsmanship.
I. A Journey of Friendship Through Table Tennis: Passion and Perseverance in Preparation
The story of preparing for the “Jinling Cup” began warmly long before the event even started. To ensure this grand table tennis event could be held as scheduled, the Southeast University Alumni Association Table Tennis Team organizing committee, led by Captain Tiger, poured their hearts and souls into every step, from finalizing the competition rules and designing the registration channel to repeatedly refining the schedule and contacting participating teams. They used their spare time to communicate online and offline repeatedly, meticulously checking the competition rules word by word, fearing even the slightest oversight. To encourage more table tennis teams from Nanjing universities to participate, the organizing committee members proactively contacted various alumni groups, their invitations of “Welcome home to play” instantly uniting table tennis enthusiasts from Nanjing universities even as far away as Toronto.
Once the registration channel opened, enthusiasm surged like a tidal wave. Table tennis teams from different Nanjing universities responded enthusiastically, transcending age and background boundaries, vying to participate in this table tennis rendezvous. Seven teams from Southeast University, Nanjing University, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Hohai University, and Nanjing Agricultural University enthusiastically signed up, hoping to use the sport as a medium to deepen communication and friendship while honing their skills. Alumni associations sent their flags in advance, and the organizing committee and volunteers busied themselves with preparations, starting the day before the competition to set up the venue, hanging the flags high—a testament to everyone’s affection for their alma mater and adding a strong sense of ceremony to the upcoming event.
II. A Glorious Moment of Competition, Passion, and Warmth
On the morning of the competition, just as dawn broke, volunteers were already at the venue, busily setting up, testing equipment, and organizing supplies. As the morning light bathed the tables, the opening ceremony officially began. The president’s speech was full of expectations, brimming with joy for the alumni reunion and blessings for the event; the table tennis team captain’s powerful speech expressed the passion and dedication of all table tennis enthusiasts; the sincere messages from the four sponsors conveyed the support and warmth behind the event. Vice President Zhong Jianping’s humorous hosting instantly ignited the atmosphere, with alumni from each team raising their team flags, their shouts and cheers echoing throughout the venue.
At the start of the competition, due to the large number of participating teams and the influx of people, some minor chaos was inevitable. But there wasn’t a single complaint. Everyone actively cooperated with the staff to verify information and adjust their positions, their words of “No rush, take your time” making even the slight chaos feel incredibly heartwarming. As the competition progressed, the pace gradually settled, and the arena instantly transformed into a thrilling arena. Serving, attacking, smashing, and counter-attacking—the players were fully engaged, every movement brimming with focus and power. The sharp and swift attacks, the varied spin of topspin shots, and the steady, controlled chop shots—a variety of playing styles were on display, keeping the audience breathless. The numbers on the scoreboard rose alternately: 9-9, 10-10, 11-11… the tense match was gripping. When a brilliant winning shot landed, thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the sidelines. Alumni, who had spontaneously formed a cheerleading squad, waved their hands and shouted encouragement for the players, their cheers repeatedly pushing the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
Off the court, a similar warmth and camaraderie flowed. The Southeast University Alumni Association had prepared drinking water and bananas in advance, and volunteers shuttled throughout the venue, promptly providing supplies to the athletes who were sweating profusely. Words of comfort such as “You’ve worked hard, take a break and have some water” instantly dispelled the athletes’ fatigue. Even more touching was that many members of the organizing committee were themselves athletes. Having just finished a match, they didn’t even have time to wipe their sweat or drink water before immediately throwing themselves into the work of scoring and coordinating matches. Their figures moved throughout the venue, busy but without complaint. This dual responsibility of “being both athlete and service provider” became the most moving scene on the field.
III. Unity and Cooperation: The Warmth Behind the Event
The successful conclusion of a wonderful event is never the achievement of one person alone. The smooth running of this year’s “Jinling Cup” would not have been possible without the support of every staff member, the sponsorship of alumni, and the silent dedication of volunteers. From the initial planning and registration statistics to the venue setup, refereeing, and order maintenance on the day of the competition, and then to the post-competition results statistics and material organization, the alumni volunteers worked side by side with the school staff, busy with everything without complaint.
The participants also demonstrated sportsmanship, showing fierce competition on the field and mutual respect off the field. When they won, they remained humble and shook hands with their opponents; when they lost, they smiled and sincerely praised their opponents’ excellent performance. Beyond victory and defeat, the friendship that transcended graduating classes and departments was the most precious gain from this event. We hope to use this event as a link to strengthen the cohesion of UST alumni in Toronto, and to make UST’s achievements shine in the circles of overseas university alumni associations, building a platform for alumni in the same city to exchange skills and build friendships.
IV. Promoting Training and Sports Culture through Competition
Table tennis enjoys a deep-rooted popularity at Southeast University. Whether it was by the table during breaks between classes in the past or on the courts in Toronto today, Southeast University students could always be seen wielding their paddles. The “Jinling Cup” is a response to and continuation of this passion.
It not only provides a stage for table tennis enthusiasts to showcase their skills but also inspires more alumni to participate in physical exercise. Alumni step out of their busy work schedules; students temporarily leave their books during their busy studies. Everyone cultivates focus and perseverance through competition, broadens their horizons through exchange, and relives their youthful years through reunion—this is the unique value of sports events in alumni activities.
V. Looking to the Future, Continuing the Table Tennis Bond
After fierce competition, the winners were finally announced: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology won the championship, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics won the runner-up, and Nanjing University of Science and Technology won the third place. The trophies and medals illuminated every smiling face. But the significance of this competition has long transcended the victory and defeat itself.
Third Place: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Runner-up: Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Champion: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Although the “Jinling Cup” has concluded, the passion for table tennis among Southeast University alumni continues. In the future, the Alumni Association will continue to refine the details of the competition, expand participation, and invite more alumni teams from overseas universities to join, making the “Jinling Cup” a more influential brand event. We look forward to seeing more new faces, witnessing more exciting matches, and writing more heartwarming stories at the next competition.
Using the ball as a bridge, connecting passion; using the competition as a name, growing together.
“Jinling Cup,” see you next year! 🏓
Photos: Chen Ruoou, Fu Yan, Mike
Text: Southeast University Publicity Team
Editor: Shi Yue
Responsible Editor: He Linsong
Reviewer: Southeast University Alumni Association Publicity Team
Thanks to Sponsors
Thank you again to all the sponsors for their strong support of this event! Below is a detailed introduction of the sponsors for this event. Welcome to follow and support us!
Diamond Sponsor: Alumna Fu Yan
Diamond Sponsor: Willa Alumni
Diamond Sponsor: James Zhong, Alumnus 437-928-8881
