Torchbearer Wang Lili: Tianjin University Faculty Shines at the 6th Asian Beach Games

On April 22, the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Beach Games was held at Yasha Park in Sanya, Hainan Province. Wang Lili, the faculty member from the Department of Physical Education at Tianjin University, was invited to attend the ceremony as a torchbearer. Standing alongside sports stars including Ding Ning, Tian Liang, Zhuo Yuetao, Chen Zhe, and Long Jianguo, she took part in lighting the main cauldron.

Wang Lili is an internationally recognized elite athlete and an outstanding young educator. As an athlete, she has achieved remarkable success, including winning the women's 3x3 basketball gold medal at the 15th National Games in 2025 and a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. As a teacher, she is dedicated to integrating competitive athletics with academic education, actively promoting the integration of sports and learning. Through initiatives such as “Champion Open Classes,” she inspires students with the true spirit of competitive sports and a deep passion for sports, staying true to the university's mission of fostering integrity and shaping future talents.

“As a teacher at Tianjin University, I feel deeply honored to have been a torchbearer at the opening ceremony,” Wang said. “Experiencing this solemn and celebratory moment has given me a deeper appreciation for the transmission of the sporting spirit — it is not only about personal perseverance and glory but also about passing on a motivating force. I will turn this honor and responsibility into motivation, continue to promote sportsmanship in my teaching, and ignite the dreams and passion of more young students right here at Tianjin University, so that the power of sports can thrive on campus.”

From competing on world stages to teaching in the classroom, Wang's role has changed, but her commitment to her country and the spirit of perseverance remain constant. By serving as a torchbearer, she showcased the character of Tianjin University's faculty on an Asian sports stage and demonstrated to the world the sense of responsibility shared by Chinese sports professionals.

The University has long placed great emphasis on the role of sports in education and follows a development path that deeply integrates sports with academics. It actively recruits world champions and outstanding retired athletes to join its faculty, giving full play to their exemplary role. This approach has cultivated a team of excellent teachers who possess both competitive excellence and a passion for education.

By: Yu Boyang