On the morning of April 15, the 2026 Spring Sports Meeting of Henan University (HENU) grandly opened at the Zhiyi Stadium on the Jinming Campus. University leaders, including Ji Bo, Zhang Suojiang, and Li Ping, attended the opening ceremony, alongside faculty and student representatives from all functional departments and schools. The ceremony was presided over by Miao Yuchen, Vice President and Director of the University Sports Committee.

Accompanied by the Athletes' March, the honor guard and participating teams marched into the venue in order. They presented an imposing presence with loud and vigorous slogans. As the national anthem played, the Five-star Red Flag rose slowly. Amid a solemn, inspiring, and joyous atmosphere, the opening ceremony officially commenced.

President Zhang Suojiang delivered the opening address. He remarked that the annual Spring Sports Meeting is not only an arena for youth but also a stage for pursuing dreams, and extended his congratulations on the successful convening of the event. He noted that sport embodies a contest of strength and forges perseverance. It carries forward fine traditions while encouraging innovation, represents a competition of wisdom, and fosters deeper mutual trust. Looking back on HENU's century-long journey of education, every leap and breakthrough it has achieved fully reflects the spirit of sport and epitomizes the perseverance and resilience upheld by generations of HENU members. He stressed that amid rapid technological advances, artificial intelligence is reshaping the fundamental logic of human society and profoundly transforming teaching and learning in universities. We need to discern eternal principles amid constant changes. Regardless of how the times evolve, sound physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall literacy remain indispensable. The university takes sports as an important starting point to integrate the principle of health first into the entire process of fostering virtue and nurturing talent. This explains why HENU has persisted in holding sports meetings year after year for decades.

President Zhang Suojiang expressed the hope that this sports meeting would be a grand event featuring confidence, hard work, and will-tempering. Sport is more than just physical fitness; its essence lies in forging a strong mind. He urged everyone to carry forward the perseverance and never-say-die spirit displayed on the field and turn them into spiritual strength for building a strong education system and serving the country through science and technology. He also hoped the event would serve as a platform to enhance mutual trust and rally solidarity. Teamwork lies at the heart of sports. It is not only a fundamental principle for personal conduct, but also a cornerstone for career success. The tacit understanding and trust among athletes, as well as the solidarity of all members of HENU, underpin our resolve to fulfill our missions and shoulder national responsibilities. Furthermore, he wished the games would inspire innovation, breakthroughs, and self-transcendence. At its core, sport embodies relentless striving and constant self-improvement driven by innovation. The pioneering spirit and enterprising character inherent in sports shall be integrated into every aspect of university development. Let the passion and drive seen on the arena fuel reform, innovation, and solid work, and accelerate the university's high-quality development.

President Zhang Suojiang emphasized that the strategic planning and great attention paid by General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee to education, science and technology, and talent development have brought us both opportunities and challenges. He encouraged all faculty and students of HENU to embrace the courage of "no one but us can do it", unite as one, stay confident and self-reliant, and strive to write a new chapter for building a new HENU in the Central Plains! He voiced his encouragement and pride, expressing deep admiration for HENU's past, present, and future, as well as great honor in witnessing the university's decades-long perseverance in pursuing a single vision and dream. Finally, he wished all athletes their best performance and the sports meeting a complete success.

Representative of referees Xu Yikang and representative of athletes Gan Yongbo solemnly took the oath on behalf of all referees and athletes, respectively.

Colorful flags flutter as the grand event unfolds, a spectacular feast for the eyes and ears, showcasing the elegance of this century-old university. The children's basketball performance brims with youthful vitality. The lion dance Pursuit of Truth demonstrates HENU's magnificent spirit. The spear dance Pursuit of Grace embodies the essence of traditional Chinese martial arts. The martial arts show Pursuit of Light reflects the students' perseverance and self-improvement. The song and dance performance Pursuit of Innovation radiates the creativity and dynamism of youth. The formation show Pursuit of Dreams, featuring a heartfelt recitation, presents the cultural heritage of the Central Plains and the profound history of the university, bringing the opening ceremony to a climax.

Following the performances, President Zhang Suojiang officially declared the 2026 Spring Sports Meeting of HENU open.

All participating faculty and students will compete with high spirits and a fighting will, injecting powerful momentum into revitalizing this time-honored institution and accelerating its development into a world-class university.