To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of graduate education at the China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), enrich the extracurricular life of graduate students, and enhance communication among research institutes in Beijing, the "Active Youth, Badminton Rendezvous" 2024 Beijing Research Institutes Badminton Invitational was grandly held on April 27, 2024, at the Recreation Center of the China Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute.

The event was hosted by the CAEP Graduate School and organized by the China Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute. Participants included graduate students from ten research institutes: the China Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute, the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF), the Chinese National Academy of Arts (CNAA), the Second Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC Second Academy), the China Academy of Machinery Science and Technology (CAMST), the General Research Institute for Nonferrous Metals (GRINM), the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing (RIPP), the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS), the North China Research Institute of Electro-Optics (NCRIEO), and the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (ISTIC).

The opening ceremony was hosted by Ms. Li Huang from the CAEP Graduate School Student Affairs Office, attended by leaders from 11 research institutes and over 130 faculty members and students.

Deputy Director of the CAEP Graduate School, Jianhui Shan, delivered the opening speech, congratulating the successful hosting of the badminton tournament, expressing gratitude for the strong support from the China Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute and the active participation of the brother units. He hoped that the competition would spark a wave of fitness enthusiasm, deepen friendships and exchanges between research institutes, and enable scientific research to be conducted with a more vibrant spirit.

Weipeng Yan, Director of the Graduate Department of the China Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute, warmly welcomed the teachers and students attending the competition. He noted that research institutes in Beijing share many common characteristics and origins, suggesting that more such activities be organized in the future to enhance communication and strengthen connections, providing an excellent platform for student interaction. He encouraged participants to compete at their best, showcase their style, and promote sportsmanship.

The tournament, a team competition with research institutes as units, leveraged the badminton invitational as a platform to foster friendships through sports and promote camaraderie through competition. The event highlighted the vigorous and competitive sports spirit of the youth. After a day of intense matches, including group stages (in two phases), semi-finals, and finals, the athletes showcased their skills with thrilling performances. Ultimately, the CAEP Graduate School team won the championship, while the GRINM and CAMS teams secured second and third places, respectively.

Participating in the badminton tournament was not just an experience for the players but also a platform to make friends through the sport. For the audience, it was more than just a viewing experience; it was an opportunity to appreciate the spirit of sports. Everyone present gained a deeper understanding and a positive attitude towards sports and badminton culture.

We look forward to the next gathering!