The New Energy Talents program supported by Tianqi Lithium Corporation has recently held its first China-Chile football friendly match since its inception, organized by the School of Public Administration, Sichuan University.
With cheers in both languages, “¡Vamos Chile! and 加油中国!” (Go China!),” echoing throughout the football field, both players and fans showed exceptional enthusiasm, making this event an unforgettable celebration.
On the afternoon of October 22nd, the China-Chile football friendly match commenced at the Sichuan University stadium. It was played with 11 players on each team, featuring three teams: the Chilean student team, the Sichuan University School of Public Administration team, and the Tianqi Lithium team. Cheering throughout the event, the players showcased their competitive skills, along with a determined, proactive, and positive spirit.
With the referee's whistle, the match between the Chilean Student Team and the Tianqi Lithium Team started. In this match, while both sides adhered to the principle of “friendship first, competition second,” they also made every effort to win the game. Along the way, Giovani Olivares Tejerina, the main striker for the Chilean student team, initiated multiple attacks and scored the opening goal. Subsequently, Tianqi’s right-winger, Mei Yanfei, responded with a precise shot, leveling the score. In the end, Tianqi secured victory through a penalty shootout.
Photo | Giovani Olivares Tejerina, a Chilean student VS Mei Yanfei, a member of the Tianqi Lithium Team
Karina de Requesens Montiel from Chile, is a female team member. She has ball control abilities, maneuvering past opposing players and taking numerous shots at goal. In a post-match interview, she said, “In Chile, I play football regularly, and today's experience has been amazing! Even though we didn't know the Tianqi players, we got to know each other through passing and attacking in the match, which strengthened our friendship.”
Zhang Yucheng, a Laotian student from the School of Public Administration, at Sichuan University, expressed, “I scored three goals in today’s match and was very pleased with my performance. This was my first time playing against Chilean players. Their playing skills are distinctive, and I look forward to having more opportunities to compete against them in the future.”
Fans from Sichuan University and Tianqi Lithium Corporation gathered at the scene, and everyone genuinely felt how football can foster a sense of connection and resonance among people of different ages. This event serves as both a football friendship match and a China-Chile football exchange meeting. Through the approach of “making friends through sports”, the profound friendship between both sides has been strengthened.
