Press Conference for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports Held in Beijing

On the morning of September 29, the press conference for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports was held at the People’s Daily New Media Center in Beijing. Hua Aijun, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports, and Ma Weihong, Vice Mayor of Liaocheng Municipal People’s Government, attended. Chen Hairong, Party Secretary and Director of Liaocheng Municipal Bureau of Education and Sports, Cai Lei, Member of the Party Group and Deputy Director, and Xie Wenbo, Director of Liaocheng Center for Cultural and Tourism Development, attended and answered questions from journalists.

The event is organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and hosted by the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports and Liaocheng Municipal People’s Government. It will be held from October 11 to 16, 2026 in Liaocheng, Shandong. It features two sports: Chess and Bridge, covering individual, team, and blitz games. A total of 230 student-athletes and officials from 26 countries and regions will participate.

Ma Weihong said Liaocheng has strictly followed international standards, established an organizing committee and eight working groups, and focused on competition organization, foreign affairs reception, transportation and accommodation, volunteer services, security, and cultural activities. She introduced Liaocheng from four aspects: profound cultural heritage with over 400 cultural relics and 13 national key cultural protection units; a water-integrated city where the Yellow River and the Grand Canal meet, with Dongchang Lake surrounding the ancient Song Dynasty city; resource concentration with the intersection of the Jinan-Zhengzhou High-speed Railway and the Beijing-Hong Kong High-speed Railway; and abundant events with over 300 primary and secondary schools offering chess and bridge courses, more than 400,000 mind sports enthusiasts, and Dongchangfu District awarded the title of one of the “Home of Chess” in China.

During the Q&A session, Chen Hairong explained the reasons for Liaocheng hosting the event with four “irreplaceable” factors: cultural compatibility, mass foundation, organizing experience, and hosting philosophy. She noted the event highlights: “university students” as the core identity, “integration” as an innovative highlight, and “mutual learning” as a unique value. Cai Lei introduced preparations with four “in place”: authoritative confirmation, competition organization, service guarantee, and atmosphere creation. Xie Wenbo promoted Liaocheng’s cultural and tourism resources, noting its over 5,000-year history of civilization, 2,500-year history as a city, 12 national intangible cultural heritages, and over sixty 4A-level scenic spots. During the event, a “cultural and tourism gift package” including ticket discounts at over 30 A-level scenic spots and hotel discounts will be offered.

Ma Weihong extended an invitation on behalf of the Liaocheng Municipal People’s Government to young people worldwide: come to the water city to compete in wisdom; welcome friends to visit the ancient city; and look forward to students studying and starting businesses in Liaocheng.