The First National Intercollegiate Athletic Games Held Following Establishment of the Ministry of Sports: National Central University Hosts Grand Ceremony

The 2026 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games officially opened on May 2nd, hosted by the newly established Sports Administration and organized by National Central University (NCU). Centered on the theme “Run Fearless ; Run Green,” this year’s Games highlight the younger generation’s courage to take on challenges and their commitment to environmental and social responsibilities. A total of 143 universities and colleges nationwide are participating, bringing together more than 12,000 student-athletes to compete for top honors while injecting fresh momentum into Taiwan’s sports development and sustainable future. [caption id="attachment_33929" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The opening ceremony of the 115th National Intercollegiate Athletic Games was held at National Central University, drawing a crowd of thousands and creating a grand and spectacular scene.[/caption] Distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included Premier CHO Jung-Tai, Sports Administration Minister Lee Yang, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming, Taoyuan City Deputy Mayor Su Jun-Pin, and NCU President Hsiau Shu-San, among other prominent figures. [caption id="attachment_33930" align="alignnone" width="708"] The NCU “Red Socks” choir, comprising over a hundred members, delivered a powerful rendition of the national anthem, bringing the atmosphere to its peak.[/caption]   One of the most talked-about highlights was the torch relay ceremony, which the flame first ignited in the Arctic. The ritual was further enriched by incorporating the traditional “Mayasvi” of the Tsou Indigenous people from Alishan as a blessing ceremony. This symbolic journey—from the Earth’s polar region back to Taiwan’s cultural roots—was transformed into a moving and meaningful performance during the opening ceremony. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Rakuten Girls cheerleading squad delivered an energetic performance, while popular bands including PAPUN BAND and NCU’s Red Sox team took turns on stage, bringing the event to a vibrant climax. [caption id="attachment_33931" align="alignnone" width="741"] The torch was ultimately passed to NCU’s gold medal-winning gymnast, Chiou Min-Han , who led the torchbearers in jointly igniting the flame of this year’s Games.[/caption] The ceremony concluded with the “Three-Generation Torch Relay,” symbolizing the continuity of history and honor. NCU alumnus Lin Hsueh-Feng carried the torch from 1988 and passed it to former NCU President Jou Jing-Yang, representing the 2018 Games, before it was handed to current President Hsiau Shu-San, representing the 2026 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 year’s Games. Accompanied by spectacular lighting effects, the ceremony illuminated a brilliant pathway—symbolizing how the spirit of sport continues to evolve through time, now intertwined with the vision of sustainability for a new era.