Chengdu, a vibrant metropolis in the heart of China, recently became a stage for celebrating not just sporting prowess, but also the deep-rooted ties and friendships that bridge the Taiwan Straits. At the 31st FISU World University Game, athletes from the Chinese Taipei delegation exhibited exceptional skills, bringing home 18 medals, including a golden feather in their cap.
The atmosphere in Chengdu was electric, and Wushu athlete Sun Chia-hung’s victory stood out. Sun, who clinched the gold for Men’s Taijiquan, encapsulated the spirit of the games when he remarked, “I was wholly absorbed in my performance rather than the prospect of winning.” His heart-stopping performance, set to the iconic tune “I love you, China”, resonated deeply with the audience. As videos of his performance flooded the internet, netizens from both the mainland and Taiwan reveled in the shared sense of pride, viewing it as an emblem of their collective identity as the Chinese nation.
His athletic journey didn’t end there; Sun also secured a silver in the Men’s Taijijian category, narrowly edged out by his old friend, Samuei Hui Tak-yan, representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions. The camaraderie between the two athletes was palpable, with Sun stating their mutual happiness in seeing each other, regardless of who outscored the other.
Basketball player Yu Ai-che from Taiwan shared Sun’s sentiment. Following a spirited match against the mainland team, Yu expressed his gratitude to the supportive Chengdu audience and looked forward to more matches that would uplift the skills of both teams.
Beyond the athletic arena, Chengdu’s warmth and hospitality captivated visitors, including two young entrepreneurs from Taiwan. Lin Ziyou, who relocated to the mainland eight years ago, chose Chengdu as her base to bridge cultural and educational exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland. As one of the selected Universiade Citizen Ambassadors, she has been instrumental in promoting the Universiade and fostering cross-Straits understanding. Through community events, Lin introduced local Chengdu children to Taiwan’s culture and vice versa.
Similarly, media personality Zhang Yijie, another Taiwan expatriate, took on a volunteer role during the Universiade, assisting with logistics. Zhang, who transitioned from a fitness career to blogging about the Taiwan diaspora’s life in Chengdu, emphasized the essence of Chengdu as a city of second chances and opportunities.
Both Zhang and Lin are passionate advocates for deeper cross-Straits interactions, especially among the younger generation. Lin’s own journey, from interning in mainland cities to establishing her own venture in Chengdu, underscores her affinity with the mainland. She believes that genuine cross-Straits camaraderie will blossom from understanding, closeness, and meaningful exchanges between the two sides.
The FISU World University Game in Chengdu was not just a testament to athletic skill but also a celebration of the cultural and emotional ties that bind communities on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
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