On December 22, 2024, the finals of the men's A group basketball competition at the Shanghai Student Games kicked off. The ECUST basketball team, composed of 16 students from nearly ten different schools, including the School of Business, the School of Chemical and Molecular Engineering, and the School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, triumphed in an intense and hard-fought match. They defeated Shanghai Jiao Tong University with a final score of 79:76, claiming the championship title and setting the best-ever record in the history of ECUST men's basketball! Among the standout players was Aarion Dukuze, our master student from Burundi, who delivered a stable performance under immense defensive pressure, contributing 13 points with excellent offensive and defensive skills.
The Shanghai Student Games basketball competition was organized by the Shanghai Education Commission and the Shanghai Sports Bureau, and hosted by the Shanghai University Student Sports Association. The competition spanned two months, featuring a large scale, high level, and broad impact. The men’s A group saw 51 teams and over 800 athletes participating, including powerhouse teams from prestigious institutions such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai University, Tongji University, and Shanghai Maritime University. The tournament was intense, with fierce competition for honors.
Aarion (ECUST Master student from Burundi) and Elyas (ECUST undergraduate from Yemen), along with their teammates, had undergone thorough preparation and team coordination, bringing high energy and enthusiasm to the game. Their teamwork, morale, and competitive spirit were evident as they entered the tournament, determined to perform at their best.
After a series of victories, the team advanced to the finals, where they faced the highly decorated basketball team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Despite the pressure, our varsity team remained resilient and relentless, securing crucial ball possessions through strong defense and ultimately defeating Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s basketball team to win the 2024 Shanghai Student Games Men’s A Group Championship, setting a historic record for ECUST basketball.
The determination, perseverance, sportsmanship, and respect displayed by our international students during the competition exemplify the essence of basketball’s appeal and competitive spirit. They also highlight the vibrant and youthful spirit of our university, where students from diverse backgrounds interact, integrate, and strive together in unity.
