In a field swept by cold winds and rain, a white flying disc traced a perfect arc through the air. As the final whistle blew and the scoreboard froze at 10–6, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) team completed the decisive catch — followed by an eruption of cheers across the pitch.
After three days of intense competition, the UNNC team emerged victorious in the 3rd Chinese University Ultimate League (Open Division), claiming the championship and setting a new record for the university’s best-ever performance at a national tournament.
Teamwork, consistency, and determination:
UNNC clinches the title
Organised by the China Student Sports Federation, the tournament brought together teams from 13 universities across the country. Through precise tactical execution and strong team synergy, the UNNC team advanced steadily from the group stage to the finals, ultimately standing atop the podium.
The 2024/25 UNNC Sports Women of the Year, Jiayi Xu, a Year 4 student majoring in English Studies and International Business and one of the team’s main handlers on offence, attributed the victory to teamwork and perseverance.
“Despite the harsh weather, with heavy rain and strong winds making throws difficult, we had prepared thoroughly,” Jiayi said. “Senior players led one-on-one training with new members before the tournament, helping everyone adapt quickly to different match conditions.”
Reflecting on her biggest takeaway, Jiayi said it was learning to face setbacks.
“After we lost to Hebei Medical University in the group stage, we didn’t get discouraged. Instead, we immediately reviewed our performance and identified the issues. That’s when I realized failure isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of improvement.”
In addition to the championship, UNNC also took home several individual honours. Jiayi Xu was named Best Female Player, while Zhengyang Yu and Jiayi Xu were recognised as Spirit of the Game Players. Team leader Shihuan Lin received the Outstanding Coach Award.
Behind these accolades lies the team’s resilience and shared commitment. Head Coach Zhuang Liang led tactical reviews and developed strategies for each match, while Shihuan Lin oversaw logistics and player wellbeing, ensuring the team always performed at their best. This collective dedication provided the foundation for the student athletes to carry UNNC to the top and win its first-ever national tournament.
Cross-cultural connections, global opportunities, and entrepreneurship: taking ultimate further
UNNC is one of the first universities in China to introduce flying disc sports. As early as 2004, the university launched the sport and founded its first club, attracting both Chinese and international students and staff, gradually forming a distinctive part of UNNC’s campus culture.
Prathiv Kholia, Deputy Director of Sport and PE at the university, said , “Flying disc is more than just a sport — it is a bridge for intercultural exchange. It embodies sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect. We frequently hold friendly matches and exchange events with local, national, and other Sino-foreign universities.”
UNNC has developed a comprehensive frisbee development system that includes physical education courses, a student club, and the EXCEL team — which represents UNNC in competitions — offering a clear pathway for players at all levels and abilities.
The “Ningbo Open” Tournament, hosted by UNNC for 12 consecutive years, attracts over 300 players nationwide each year and has become one of the university’s signature sporting events.
Outstanding student athletes have also had opportunities to represent China on the international stage. The university provides financial and institutional support for students to attend national training camps and trials. In June, Jiayi Xu represented China at the World Under-24 Ultimate Championships in Spain, competing against athletes from over 20 countries and helping Team China secure 7th place in the mixed division — the country’s best-ever result.
Beyond nurturing elite athletes, UNNC’s distinctive “flying disc culture” has also inspired innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2008, several UNNC alumni, including Yingfeng Xu, founded Yikun Sports, which has since become Asia’s first and the world’s third company to receive top certification from the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF). Today, Yikun’s products are exported to more than 60 countries and regions worldwide.
At UNNC, an open and supportive environment nurtures every spark of ambition — helping it grow and shine on both national and global stages.
Published on 20 October 2025