NYCU and NTHU Share Overall Title at the 58th Mei-Chu Games

(中央社訊息服務20260316 16:00:58)National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) concluded the 58th Mei-Chu Games on March 15 with a dramatic baseball finale at NTHU’s baseball field. After days of intense competition, the two universities finished with an overall score of 5–5, sharing this year’s historic intercollegiate tournament championship.

Held from March 6 to 8, with the decisive baseball game on March 15, the Mei-Chu Games remain one of Taiwan’s most iconic university traditions, bringing together students from both campuses for friendly rivalry in athletics, intellectual competitions, and student activities.

This year’s official competitions included 10 events: table tennis, badminton, contract bridge, Chinese chess, tennis, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, and baseball. Each winning team earned one point toward the overall championship.

In addition to the official contests, the Games also featured a series of exhibition matches, including billiards, soccer, women’s table tennis, Go, women’s tennis, archery, and softball. These events highlighted the vibrant sports culture and student club activities at both universities.

During the first three days of competition, the two universities traded victories across multiple events. By the evening of March 7, NYCU had secured points in table tennis, Chinese chess, and men’s basketball, bringing the overall score to 3–3.

Momentum continued on March 8 when NYCU claimed another point in contract bridge, briefly taking the lead. NTHU responded later that evening with a victory in men’s volleyball, tightening the race once again.

Late that night, NYCU’s women’s volleyball team delivered a decisive performance, defeating NTHU in straight sets 25–18, 25–23, and 25–11. Riding the momentum from their championship run in the University Volleyball League Division II, the team secured a crucial fifth point for NYCU and kept the university ahead in the overall standings.

On March 15, the two universities met for the final baseball matchup at NTHU’s baseball field. After a hard-fought game, the overall results of the 58th Mei-Chu Games settled at 5–5, with NYCU and NTHU sharing the championship title.

Across the official events, NYCU claimed victories in badminton, Chinese chess, men’s basketball, contract bridge, and women’s volleyball. In the exhibition matches, NYCU teams also delivered strong performances in billiards, soccer, women’s table tennis, women’s tennis, archery, and softball.

Notably, during the same period, NYCU’s baseball team also delivered impressive results in the University Baseball League, defeating NTHU with a walk-off walk to return to the Final Four for the first time in three years. The team later beat National Taiwan University 11–3 to advance to the championship game and ultimately finished the season as runner-up, demonstrating the program’s growing competitive strength.

NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin expressed gratitude to all athletes who competed in the tournament.

“Every athlete who stepped onto the field fought with determination and represented the university with pride,” Lin said. “Regardless of the final score, their dedication and sportsmanship brought honor to the school.”

He also thanked the many members of the NYCU community who made the event possible, including coaches, cheering squads, the Mei-Chu organizing committee, the university’s Physical Education Office, the Office of Student Affairs, and the students, faculty members, and alumni who came to support the teams.

“The honor of the Mei-Chu Games belongs to every participant,” Lin added.

Hsinchu City Mayor Ann Kao also highlighted the broader significance of the event, noting that the Mei-Chu Games have become more than just a university competition.

“The Mei-Chu Games are a long-standing tradition between two of Hsinchu’s most important universities and have become an important symbol of the city’s culture,” Kao said. “The city government will continue to support this historic intercollegiate event and encourage more residents to take part in cheering for both universities.”

The 58th Mei-Chu Games concluded amid a festive atmosphere, once again showcasing the passion, perseverance, and sportsmanship of students from both universities.

For generations, the Mei-Chu Games have represented more than competition—they embody a shared tradition of rivalry and friendship between NYCU and NTHU. As the two universities look ahead to future tournaments, this spirit will continue to inspire new chapters in one of Taiwan’s most enduring campus traditions.