Lifelong pursuit

With a swift swing, the ball sailed through the air in a graceful arc toward the goal. The goalkeeper sprang into action, successfully deflecting the ball. As the final whistle blew, cheers erupted and players embraced in triumphant celebration.

This marked the inaugural trial game at the SISU campus in 2008, orchestrated by Chen Xin. Gathering about 200 female students, she aimed to ignite their interest in floorball through direct involvement. As the match concluded, the passion of the competition reverberated through the arena, moving spectators to tears, including Chen herself.

As a pioneer of floorball promotion in China, Chen embarked on a journey from scratch in 2002. Initiating partnerships with sports equipment suppliers, she also extended invitations to foreigners in Shanghai to join floorball games.

"I hosted barbecue dinners with beers for them after their matches on our campus. Their participation progressively enriched the floorball community here," she said.

Years of dedication began to bear fruit in 2008 when Chen secured a sponsorship deal with a Swedish company in Gothenburg, providing necessary gear for students in five universities in China.

In a pivotal development in September 2008, floorball became an elective course in physical education at SISU and Chen encouraged more students to try the sport.

"The game was a resounding success. It showcased strong team spirit and a vibrant atmosphere of unity," she said. From this first game in 2008 at the SISU campus, floorball gained popularity in Shanghai, culminating in a university floorball group venturing abroad to Singapore in 2014 for the 6th World University Championships for Floorball.

"It's a pity that university players often lose interest in floorball after graduation," Chen said. "I believe health is as important as academic and career achievements. My mission is to engage more people in sports activities and empower them for healthy growth, a commitment I'll fulfill lifelong."