The 2026 Nationwide Intercollegiate Athletic Video games formally opened on Could 2nd, hosted by the newly established Sports activities Administration and arranged by Nationwide Central College (NCU). Centered on the theme “Run Fearless ; Run Green,” this yr’s Video games spotlight the youthful technology’s braveness to tackle challenges and their dedication to environmental and social obligations. A complete of 143 universities and faculties nationwide are taking part, bringing collectively greater than 12,000 student-athletes to compete for prime honors whereas injecting recent momentum into Taiwan’s sports activities improvement and sustainable future.
The opening ceremony of the a hundred and fifteenth Nationwide Intercollegiate Athletic Video games was held at Nationwide Central College, drawing a crowd of hundreds and making a grand and spectacular scene.
Distinguished friends attending the opening ceremony included Premier CHO Jung-Tai, Sports activities Administration Minister Lee Yang, Minister of Atmosphere Peng Chi-Ming, Taoyuan Metropolis Deputy Mayor Su Jun-Pin, and NCU President Hsiau Shu-San, amongst different distinguished figures.
The NCU “Red Socks” choir, comprising over 100 members, delivered a robust rendition of the nationwide anthem, bringing the environment to its peak.
One of the vital talked-about highlights was the torch relay ceremony, which the flame first ignited within the Arctic. The ritual was additional enriched by incorporating the standard “Mayasvi” of the Tsou Indigenous folks from Alishan as a blessing ceremony. This symbolic journey—from the Earth’s polar area again to Taiwan’s cultural roots—was remodeled right into a shifting and significant efficiency throughout the opening ceremony. Including to the festive environment, the Rakuten Women cheerleading squad delivered an brisk efficiency, whereas fashionable bands together with PAPUN BAND and NCU’s Purple Sox crew took activates stage, bringing the occasion to a vibrant climax.
The torch was in the end handed to NCU’s gold medal-winning gymnast, Chiou Min-Han , who led the torchbearers in collectively igniting the flame of this yr’s Video games.
The ceremony concluded with the “Three-Generation Torch Relay,” symbolizing the continuity of historical past and honor. NCU alumnus Lin Hsueh-Feng carried the torch from 1988 and handed it to former NCU President Jou Jing-Yang, representing the 2018 Video games, earlier than it was handed to present President Hsiau Shu-San, representing the 2026 Video games. The torch was then entrusted to NCU’s gold medal-winning gymnast Chiou Min-Han, who led the torchbearers in lighting the flame of this yr’s Video games. Accompanied by spectacular lighting results, the ceremony illuminated a superb pathway—symbolizing how the spirit of sport continues to evolve by way of time, now intertwined with the imaginative and prescient of sustainability for a brand new period.
