Xinhua News Agency, Dalian, Sept. 20th (Reporters Wei Hua and Liu Yichun）
— After the Beijing Normal University women’s team defeated the Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France 2-0 in the second round of the third FISU University World Cup Football, securing their first victory of the tournament, the team’s head coach Bi Yan could hardly contain her emotions on the sidelines. As a former member of the Chinese national women’s football team, she still harbors a deep desire for victory. However, as the head coach of a university women’s team, she also guides her players to understand the meaning that football brings them beyond winning and losing.
On September 19th, Beijing Normal University women’s football player Ma Yulin (center) celebrated with teammates after scoring a goal during their match against Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France from France in the women’s Group B match of Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football. Beijing Normal University won the match 2-0. (Photo by Pan Yulong, Xinhua News Agency)
In the first round, the defending champions, the Beijing Normal University women’s team, were equalized by Laval University from Canada in the final moments, missing out on a “winning start”. In the second round, facing the challenges of two matches in two days and the absence of three key players, the team withstood the pressure and secured a victory, taking control of their qualification chances.
“The team has had very little time to gel,” said Bi Yan. “Although this tournament is challenging, it allows more players to experience the charm of international competitions. The high-intensity matches have also broadened their horizons, which is the most valuable aspect for them.”
On September 18th, Ma Yulin (right), a female football player from Beijing Normal University, was competing with Melody, a female football player from Laval University. (Photo by Zheng Huansong, Xinhua News Agency)
“As an athlete, I won the FISU World University Games championship, and as a head coach, I led the team to win the FISU University World Cup Football. For me, this is also a form of accumulation,” Bi Yan said.
Bi Yan graduated from Beijing Normal University in 2014 and has been coaching the team for 11 years. Over the 11 years, she has watched batch after batch of players grow and succeed in their respective careers, which brings her great satisfaction. During the second round, two players she had previously coached specially traveled to the Dalian Youth Training Base to cheer for the team.
“This is a sense of sentiment, reflecting their emotional connection to the team. As the head coach, I hope they can truly enjoy the happiness that football brings. I want them to understand what football is—it’s not just about winning. After a loss, I also need to guide them. These players are university students, and their path is different from that of professional players. I hope that through such competitions, they can have a unique football experience.”
On September 18th, the female football players of Beijing Normal University took a group photo before the game. (Photo by Zheng Huansong, Xinhua News Agency)
As a native of Dalian, leading the team to compete in Dalian holds special significance for Bi Yan. The local dialect and dietary habits made her feel especially at home. Although she often works away from home, Bi Yan remains concerned about the development of football in Dalian and has been following the matches of the Chinese Football Association Super League team Dalian Young Boy. It was through Dalian Young Boy that she learned about the Suoyuwan Football Stadium. Before participating in the World University Cup, Bi Yan specially organized the team to watch a documentary about Dalian Young Boy, titled “The Battle of Suoyuwan”. She revealed that many players were moved to tears after watching the film, and a seed was planted in their hearts.
“This documentary deeply touched the players and allowed them to feel the rich football culture of Dalian. I hope that on the day of the women’s football final, we can also fight to the end at the Suoyuwan Football Stadium,” said Bi Yan.
29 Sep
