Chengdu Universiade | Experience the Passion of the Universiade and Make Friends with the World - Wang Beiyi's Youth Story of the Chinese Team | Competition | Youth
"Before coming, I never thought the Universiade would be like this," said Wang Beiyi, from both on and off the field.
Wang Beiyi, born in 1999, is the captain of the Chinese university men's water polo team. Compared to other projects, water polo is not well understood by many people in China.
"Number 2, Wang Beiyi!" At the entrance ceremony, accompanied by dazzling lights and passionate introductions from the host, Wang Beiyi and his teammates felt a rare attention.
"From the venue facilities, to personnel service, to the entry ceremony, I never thought that the Chengdu Universiade could be held so well, and there were so many people paying attention to you, which gave us great motivation," said Wang Beiyi.
On August 1st, Wang Beiyi played against Slovakia in a match between the Chinese team and the Slovak team
In the men's water polo competition of the Chengdu Universiade, the Chinese team faced three strong teams: Georgia, Italy, and the United States in the first three group stage matches, but they tried their best but never won.
Although we lost the game, the collision with a strong team has made our form better and better. In the third game against the runner up of the previous Universiade, the United States team, Wang Beiyi and his teammates kept the suspense of the game going until the last quarter. Before the game, no one expected that the Chinese team could compete with the American team in the first three quarters. In the following two matches, the Chinese team defeated Slovakia and South Korea in a row and advanced to the quarterfinals.
"The cheers from the audience on site made us want to fight hard, just for one breath!" Wang Beiyi gradually felt the significance and charm of the Universiade.
Influenced by his mother as a swimming coach, Wang Beiyi received swimming training from a young age and later switched to water polo. Although he had been competing for many years, he rarely felt such a lively atmosphere on site.
"The matches we usually participate in have almost no spectators, and after scoring goals, we congratulate each other. However, there are spectators at the Universiade, which is very exciting and gives us a strong sense of honor. Moreover, we rarely have the opportunity to compete with world-class teams. After a few games, we have gained a lot," said Wang Beiyi.
At the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Universiade, Wang Beiyi recorded the scene of following the Chinese delegation into the venue with his mobile phone. When the entire audience gave them warm applause, Wang Beiyi excitedly waved the national flag and shouted loudly. He said, "This is the best patriotic education. So for me, water polo is a responsibility. I want to practice, play, spread, and give back to those who care about and help us."
In addition to sticking to water polo, Wang Beiyi also has other hobbies such as rugby, music, motorcycles, skiing, etc. As an international stage for young people to exchange ideas, the Universiade has allowed Wang Beiyi, who has a wide range of hobbies, to make many new friends.
The cultural market held in Dayun Village at night is Wang Beiyi's favorite place to go. Athletes from various countries and regions experience and exchange ideas in front of stalls with Chinese characteristics. Wang Beiyi often goes there and buys a flute. He has also worked as a temporary salesperson at the booth.
On July 30th, Wang Beiyi tried playing the flute at the Dayun Village Cultural Market. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Junbao
"I really enjoy making friends and communicating with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which broadens my horizons." In the Dayun Village, Wang Beiyi often exchanges badges with foreign athletes. Although he doesn't speak the same language, he gestures a few times, hugs and laughs with each other, bringing him the best memories of his youth.
The competition of the Universiade is still ongoing, and the music of youth will continue to be written.
Wang Beiyi said that in recent years, more and more people have been participating in water polo in China, which has made him very happy. He also hopes to continue to work hard on the field.
"Although there are still many uncertainties in the future, I will do my best in the present and write my youth story well in the days to come," said Wang Beiyi.
