Edited by Chance Lai


The 57th Meichu Games, Taiwan's prestigious intercollegiate competition, is set to begin on February 28 at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). This annual competition showdown between NYCU and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) represents more than just sports—it's a testament to a friendship spanning over half a century.


From Casual Chat to Cultural Phenomenon

"I never imagined that a casual winter break conversation between two college students would evolve into a tradition lasting over half a century," says Feng Chien, one of the key founders of the Meichu Games. That fateful discussion in 1969 with Fan Hsu, a then-student representative of NTHU, led to the creation of what would become one of Taiwan's most celebrated collegiate traditions.
 

The key figure behind the first Mei-Chu Game was senior alumnus Feng Chien.

nspired by the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, the two universities established their version of intercollegiate competition. The name "Meichu" combines "Mei" from NTHU's then-president Yi-Qi Mei and "Chu" from NYCU's president Hong-Xun Ling's pen name.

What sets the Meichu Games apart is its flexible structure. "The original principle was to have no fixed principles," explains Chien. The inaugural organizing committee, comprising seven NYCU students and six NTHU students, deliberately avoided establishing permanent rules or fixed events to maintain the games' primary purpose: fostering inter-university relationships rather than focusing solely on victory.

From its modest beginnings with table tennis, basketball, soccer, and track events, the games have expanded to include over 20 sporting categories. The event alternates between campuses each year and is organized entirely by students with support from the university administration.


Ling Ming-Li (right) played as a forward on the soccer team in the inaugural Meichu Games, leading the team to a decisive victory with outstanding coordination in both offense and defense, marking the beginning of a glorious era for NCTU soccer (renamed NYCU in 2021 after merging with NYMU).


Beyond Competition: A Legacy of Friendship

"Although competition is fierce on the field, the athletes often become close friends through their shared love of sports," says Heng-Lin Fu, former Dean of Student Affairs. This sentiment echoes the games' founding spirit of promoting university friendship.

NYCU Alumni Association Executive Director Churchill Chen vividly recalls his first Meichu Games experience in 1982. That year, NTHU clinched the championship with an 8-3 victory. In response, then-NYCU President Nan-Hung Kuo boldly declared: "If NYCU loses the overall championship again next year, I'll shave my head!"

This statement electrified the entire campus community. True to their determination, NYCU dominated the 1983 Meichu Games, securing victories in ten consecutive events to claim the overall championship.

The true legend of the Meichu Games, spanning half a century, lies not in victory or defeat but in the spirit of perseverance and intergenerational friendships fostered through healthy competition between the two universities. It is a valuable opportunity for current students and faculty to better understand and grow within their institution. For alumni, regardless of how many years have passed since graduation, the memories of the Meichu Games continue to instill a lasting sense of pride in their alma mater.


The Meichu Games spark intense competition between the two schools on the field and the sidelines, where the cheers and chants carry a hint of rivalry.

The 2025 Meichu Games Kick Off on 2/28

As the competition schedule unfolds, anticipation and excitement are building among students and faculty across campus for this annual event. The Meichu Games represent more than competition—they embody the fusion of two universities' cultures, spirits, and honors. For NYCU, these games are not merely about rivalries; they serve as the ultimate platform for showcasing inter-university cooperation while strengthening student teamwork and unity.

When the whistle blows to commence the 2025 Meichu Games, we eagerly await the thrilling moments of intense competition and the opportunity to write a new chapter in this half-century legacy of excellence and tradition.