Organized by the Sports Department of NEU, the first “Liu Changchun Cup” Touch Rugby Tournament was held at the Sports Field from April 19 to April 20. The event attracted more than 200 athletes from 15 different schools across the university.
At 10 am on April 19, the opening ceremony of the tournament was held at the Sports Field of Nanhu Campus. The ceremony was attended by Sun Yuning, Director of the Sports Department; Gao Dakun, Deputy Director of the Sports Department and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee (concurrent); Hui Jun, Deputy Director of the Sports Department, along with representatives from all participating teams. In his speech, Sun Yuning emphasized that the “Liu Changchun Cup” series represents a cornerstone of NEU’s sports culture and a platform to uphold the university’s patriotic legacy. He pointed that, led by figures like Liu Changchun, the spirit of NEU’s athletes in demonstrating courage and striving for excellence has inspired generations of students to actively contribute to the country and the nation. He hoped that through this competition, students of NEU would inherit and promote the NEU sporting spirit, ignite their youthful passion through determined efforts, and create new achievements. The ceremony ended with Gao Dakun introducing the participating teams and Hui Jun officiating the tournament’s opening.
The event received strong support and enthusiastic participation from faculty and students across the university. Athletes competed with great passion, delivering one thrilling match after another. After intense competition, the School of Information Science and Engineering, the School of Computer Science and Engineering, and the School of Resources and Civil Engineering won the championship, the runner-up and the second runner-up of this competition.
It is reported that this “Liu Changchun Cup” Touch Rugby Tournament marks the first introduction of rugby events into the “Liu Changchun Cup” series. NEU boasts a distinguished rugby history. The NEU rugby team, composed entirely of students, represented Xinjiang in the 12th National Games and advanced to the finals (one of only six national teams). The team has consistently ranked among the top four in national championships and champions for multiple years, won the Hong Kong University Rugby Championship, and repeatedly claimed titles in the Northeast Regional University Rugby Championships. The renewed NEU rugby team was re-established in April 2024, and has since achieved top eight in the National Collegiate Rugby Championship, runner-up in the National Touch Rugby Championship, and runner-up in the Liaoning Province Championship.
