Hosted by the Federation of University Sports of China, the 19th China University Beach Volleyball Championship was held at the Dashitou Eco-Cultural Tourism Zone in Otog Front Banner, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, from July 17 to 23. The event brought together 86 teams consisting of more than 170 athletes from 42 universities across 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities nationwide to compete on the sand. For the first time, the Beach Volleyball Team of Xi’an Petroleum University took part in this top national competition. Through solid strength and tenacious fighting spirit, the team claimed the 4th place in Group C-A and the Sports Ethics and Good Conduct Award, setting a new all-time best result for the university in this event.
The competition consisted of two stages. In the group stage, Xi’an Petroleum University Beach Volleyball Team advanced strongly to the semi-finals as the runner-up of Group B, demonstrating the solid competitive capability and sound mental quality of our athletes. In the cross matches of the second stage, our team faced formidable opponents and ultimately lost 0–2.
In the match for third and fourth place, Xi’an Petroleum University competed fiercely against Minzu University of China. Prior to the game, coaches and players made thorough tactical plans and psychological preparations. During the contest, the athletes fought relentlessly and contested every point, demonstrating tenacious willpower and team spirit. After a hard-fought three-set battle, our team lost to the opponents by a narrow margin at 1–2 and ultimately finished fourth in Group C-A of the Championship.
Making their debut at this top national university beach volleyball event, the beach volleyball athletes of Xi’an Petroleum University started from scratch, holding their ground among numerous strong university teams nationwide and advancing to the semi-finals. Though they did not make it to the podium, the players’ fearless, tenacious and never-say-die performance against powerful rivals on the court perfectly embodies the sports spirit of striving for excellence and surpassing oneself.
This tournament has enabled the university’s beach volleyball program to gain valuable experience in national-level competitions and fully demonstrated the solid outcomes of the university’s physical education and competitive training. Moving forward, the Xi’an Petroleum University Beach Volleyball Team will review lessons from this event, identify and remedy weaknesses, and refine technical skills. With greater enthusiasm and professionalism, the team will compete in various tournaments, continuously push past limits and strive for new achievements, contributing sporting strength to the high-quality development of the university.
