Duke Kunshan University won its second straight Sino-Foreign University Cup title after the final leg of competition concluded April 18 at NYU Shanghai.
The result secured first place for DKU in the overall season standings and marked the university’s second straight title. In addition to the overall championship, DKU won titles in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s volleyball and women’s volleyball.
The Sino-Foreign University Cup brings together student-athletes from several joint-venture universities in China and includes badminton, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s volleyball, table tennis and tennis.
“What makes this championship meaningful is the context,” said Zarko, DKU Athletics director. “We are still a young and developing program, competing against larger and more established universities.”
He said the result reflects more than performance alone. It also shows how much students value team sports and the university’s investment in coaching, training standards and the overall student-athlete experience.
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Alexandra Fumerton, a volleyball player in the Class of 2029, said one of the most memorable parts of the tournament was the support from the crowd.
“It was really amazing to see everyone come and support the volleyball team,” she said. “Being on the court with everyone cheering really brought the team together.”
She also recalled a turning point in a match against NYU Shanghai.
“I think I learned a lot about perseverance,” Fumerton said. “In the second set against NYU Shanghai, we were down 19-10 and we pushed through and ended up winning 26-24.”
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For Felipe Silvestri, a soccer player in the Class of 2026, the tournament meant even more because it was one of his last major competitions as a DKU student.
“It was a great experience to participate in the third Sino-Foreign University Cup,” he said. “As a senior, I have seen how this competition has evolved throughout the years.”
Silvestri said winning the title again was especially meaningful because of how difficult it is to repeat.
“I am extremely happy to be able to lift the cup a second time in a row,” he said. “Back-to-back championships are hard to get. Also, I’m really glad to see how the different sports have become more competitive.”
Sara Salazar, a basketball player in the Class of 2028, said sports also helped students build connections across teams and on campus.
“DKU has supported this sports team by giving us amazing facilities and staff to help guide and train us as a team,” she said.
She said the experience is about more than competition.
“Through sports, we gain not only the opportunity to play and represent the school, but also to connect with other students through our shared passion,” Salazar said.
The 2026-27 Sino-Foreign University Cup season is expected to begin later this year at NYU Shanghai. DKU is expected to host the second leg in the spring.
