Crisp Autumn Air, Flying Shuttlecocks!
Yeung & Associates 2026 Canadian University Alumni Badminton Tournament Concludes Successfully
[Toronto Alumni Association of Xi’an Jiaotong University News Release | September 15, 2026]
As summer gives way to autumn, with clear skies and refreshing weather, it is the perfect season to pick up a racket and step onto the court. From September 12 to 13, the Yeung & Associates 2026 Canadian University Alumni Badminton Tournament was successfully held at the Vision Badminton Centre in Scarborough, Toronto.
Initiated and organized by the Toronto Alumni Association of Xi’an Jiaotong University, the Canadian University Alumni Badminton Tournament was first launched in 2018. With the exception of a two-year suspension during the pandemic, this year marked the tournament’s seventh edition.
A total of 41 teams representing more than 70 universities participated in this year’s competition. Division A featured 31 teams composed of alumni from individual universities in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while Division B consisted of 10 combined teams formed by alumni from up to three universities.
Over the two-day event, nearly 1,000 participants, including athletes, organizing committee members, volunteers, sponsors, government representatives, guest performers, and cheering squads, gathered together to compete, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate alumni camaraderie through sport.
Opening Ceremony
Hosted by Ms. Zhang Min, the opening ceremony commenced at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12. Long before the official start, the venue was already buzzing with activity as organizers prepared the courts and athletes warmed up for competition.
The ceremony opened with a vibrant drum performance by a university drum ensemble, whose powerful rhythms immediately energized the crowd.
This was followed by the opening dance performance, “Let’s All Join In,” presented by six alumnae representing six different universities. Incorporating creative elements inspired by women’s soccer and martial arts, the lively choreography earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.
After the singing of the Canadian national anthem, organizers introduced the distinguished guests and sponsor representatives in attendance.
Welcome Remarks
Mr. Cheng Bin, Chair of the Canadian University Alumni Badminton Tournament Organizing Committee and Honorary President of the Toronto Alumni Association of Xi’an Jiaotong University, delivered the opening address. He introduced the organizing committee and expressed heartfelt appreciation to sponsors, guests, athletes, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the event possible.
Remarks were then delivered by representatives of the title sponsor, Yeung & Associates Law Professional Corporation, lawyers Ms. Aylina Dhanji and Mr. Bojan Nikolic, as well as Member of Parliament Salma Zahid.
In their speeches, the guests emphasized a common theme: sports not only encourage physical activity but also bring people closer together. The tournament serves not only as a platform for athletic competition but also as a bridge connecting alumni from different universities, professions, and generations. They encouraged participants to compete passionately, demonstrate sportsmanship, build new friendships, and help the tournament continue growing as a vibrant community event.
A Strong Network of Sponsors
The organizers extended a warm welcome and sincere gratitude to all sponsors and their representatives whose support helped make the tournament possible.
Title Sponsor
- Yeung & Associates Law Professional Corporation
- Ms. Aylina Dhanji
- Mr. Bojan Nikolic
Platinum Sponsor
- Alpha Choice Insurance Brokers
- Mr. Andrew Zhang, Vice President
Gold Sponsors
- Mingsheng Financial
- Mr. Ma Xinming, General Manager
- M&J Dental (Huaxiyuan Dental Clinic)
- Dr. Miranda Li
Silver Sponsor
- CIBC Imperial Services Inc.
- Ms. Yan Li, General Manager
Supporting Sponsors
- VIVA Home Furnishings
- Mr. David Nguyen, President
- GREENLIFE ELECTRICS LTD
- Ms. April Chen, General Manager
- Clareca Furniture
- Mr. Wang Yuzhuo, President
- THL Gourmet Foods Inc. (Ontario Division)
- Ms. Joey Zhao, Food Service Sales Manager
The growing support from sponsors reflects not only the success of this tournament but also its increasing influence and reputation within the community.
Following the speeches, guests and athletes gathered for a spirited group photograph before representatives of the title sponsor, MP Salma Zahid, Mr. Wang Jun, President of the Toronto Alumni Association of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Mr. Cheng Bin, and other sponsor representatives participated in the ceremonial opening serve that officially launched the competition.
Exciting Competition
As soon as play began, the venue shifted into high gear.
Delicate serves, lightning-fast net interceptions, and powerful smashes filled the courts as shuttlecocks darted through the air. Players leapt for attacking winners, dove to save impossible shots, and exchanged relentless rallies that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Cheers and applause echoed throughout the venue, rewarding every display of determination and teamwork.
Day One
On Saturday, the 31 Division A teams were divided into eight groups, while the 10 Division B teams competed in two groups. Following group-stage play and the first elimination round, an intense 65 matches comprising 313 games determined the Division A quarterfinalists and Division B semifinalists.
Championship Day
Sunday featured the semifinals and finals, where another 10 matches totaling 52 games ultimately crowned the champions of both divisions.
Division A Results
Champion
- Nankai University Toronto Alumni Association
The Nankai team reclaimed the championship title for the first time since winning the inaugural tournament eight years earlier.
Runner-up
- Jilin University Aplus Badminton Team
Joint Third Place
- Peking University Xinqiao Wealth Badminton Team
- Sun Yat-sen University Toronto Alumni Association Badminton Team
The championship awards were presented by representatives of Yeung & Associates, Toronto Alumni Association President Wang Jun, and Organizing Committee Chair Cheng Bin.
Division B Results
Champion
- Combined Team of University of Science and Technology Beijing, Shandong University, and Zhengzhou University
Runner-up
- Combined Team of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Daqing Normal University, and Guangxi University
Joint Third Place
- Combined Team of Shenyang University of Technology, South China University of Technology, and Liaoning Normal University
- Combined Team of Tongji University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Beijing International Studies University
Gratitude to Volunteers
As in previous years, the success of the tournament would not have been possible without the dedication of a large volunteer team, especially the members of the organizing committee. Their contributions extended far beyond competition days, involving countless hours of preparation, planning, and coordination.
Looking Ahead
The lingering warmth of late summer met the refreshing breeze of early autumn as shuttlecocks traced graceful arcs across the courts, bringing alumni closer together across years and across campuses.
Over the years, the Canadian University Alumni Badminton Tournament has grown into one of the most representative large-scale badminton events within the overseas Chinese community. Nearly one hundred universities and thousands of badminton enthusiasts and volunteers have participated since its inception.
People come together through their love of sport, but they stay connected through alumni friendship. A badminton racket and a shuttlecock do more than promote a healthy lifestyle; they create opportunities for inter-university collaboration, cultural exchange, and stronger community partnerships.
As the tournament continues to grow, it remains a shining example of how sport can foster friendship, strengthen alumni networks, and build vibrant multicultural communities across Canada.