As part of activities marking the Universities World Football Tournament in Dalian, China, the leadership of the University for Development Studies (UDS) delegation paid a courtesy call on Mr. Yang Jie, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), at his office on Tuesday, September 24, 2025.

The high-level visit was led by Professor Elliot Haruna Alhassan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of UDS and leader of the university’s delegation to the tournament. He was accompanied by the Director of Sports at UDS, Mr. Ibrahim Tanko. The meeting aimed to strengthen relations between UDS and the tournament organizers, and to express appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the team throughout the event.

During the visit, Professor Alhassan presented Mr. Yang Jie with a beautifully woven UDS-branded smock, a symbol of Ghanaian cultural heritage and identity. In a brief remark, he noted that the gesture was in recognition of Mr. Jie’s outstanding leadership in organizing a successful tournament and the warm reception accorded to all participating teams, particularly UDS.

Mr. Yang Jie, visibly moved by the presentation, expressed his sincere gratitude for the gift, describing it as a meaningful cultural token. He announced that the smock would be prominently displayed at the Dalian City Museum as a lasting reminder of the 2025 Universities World Football Tournament and UDS’ significant participation and performance. He added that it would serve not only as a symbol of international friendship but also of the shared values of unity and excellence in global university sports.

In a reciprocal gesture, Mr. Jie presented Professor Alhassan with a commemorative FISU Games plaque, symbolizing the tournament’s spirit of global cooperation, sportsmanship, and youth engagement.

The meeting ended with a photo session and mutual pledges to continue fostering international engagement through sports and education.

UDS’ participation in the tournament not only highlighted the university’s athletic talent but also emphasized its commitment to global partnerships and cultural diplomacy.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen 
UDS Media