Participants and guests at the 2025 "Friendship Cities Cup" Melbourne-Tianjin Light Volleyball Friendly Match pose for a group photo. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

On Sept 21, teams from China and Australia competed in the 2025 "Friendship Cities Cup" Melbourne-Tianjin Light Volleyball Friendly Match at Nankai University in Tianjin.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between China and Australia, as well as the 45th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Tianjin and Melbourne. Chen Yulu, the president of Nankai University, and Nicholas Reece, the mayor of Melbourne, jointly attended the final and the award ceremony. Prior to the event, the two unveiled the Nankai University Center for Australia Economy and Culture Research.

Light volleyball originated in China in 1984. It is similar to competitive volleyball, but has a simpler ruleset.

Penny Bai, a member of the Melbourne light volleyball team, said: "This match is very meaningful as it promotes the friendly development between the two cities. We are also delighted to have the opportunity to compete with some light volleyball teams from Tianjin."

"This is my first time watching a light volleyball match live, and I'm particularly excited," said Ma Qizhi, an international student from Nankai University. "The techniques from both teams in each match were all very impressive."

Chen Yijun contributed to this story.

The Tianjin Workers' Representative Gas Volleyball Team wins the championship. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Tianjin Workers' Representative Gas Volleyball Team competes with the Melbourne Gas Volleyball Team for the championship and runner-up positions. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Nankai University Faculty and Staff Gas Volleyball Team exchanges skills with the Xinghai Alliance Gas Volleyball Team. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]