The 2026 autumn sports carnival of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) took place at the central sports field on the main campus on Sept 13. This event marked the first large-scale sporting activity for the 2026 freshmen after their enrollment.

The event consisted of two sessions – morning and evening – featuring over 40 sports activities brought by more than 20 on-campus sports clubs. Balancing traditional and modern, dynamic and competitive, the carnival attracted more than 6,000 faculty members and students. Attendees participated in diverse challenges, collected stamps, and exchanged for unique cultural gifts.

The opening ceremony featured an array of performances, including dances, roller skating demonstrations, robot soccer penalty kicks, and even robot dances.

Dean of the School of Physical Education Jiang Yumei announced the start of the event, followed by warm-up exercises led by world-champion faculty members Zhao Jing and Ji Yang.

The carnival showcased classic ball games such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and table tennis, as well as trendy sports like baseball, softball, rugby, and frisbee. Traditional activities, including lion dancing, martial arts, and tai chi, sat alongside cutting-edge games like racing simulators and robot soccer competitions, blending heritage with innovation.

Other creative events, such as cycling challenges, obstacle courses, group dances, and sharpshooting contests, kept the excitement high throughout. The "Water Obstacle Dash" became the highlight of the event, drawing widespread attention and enthusiastic participation.

Besides sports, additional attractions included a signature wall for participants, a song request station, and on-site raffles, adding an extra layer of interaction and fun.

As one of the school’s flagship sporting events, the carnival inspired participation in sports and fostered habits of regular exercise among students.

Source: School of Physical Education, HUST