Shangluo 2026 Officially Opens
Jul. 2, Shangluo, P.R.China – The ISF World School Volleyball Championship – Shangluo 2026 was officially declared open as delegations from the world gathered at the newly constructed city landmark, Shangluo Sports Center Outdoor Estadium to celebrate the start of one of the largest ISF World School Championships.
Following the Parade of Delegations, student-athletes, officials and spectators were welcomed by representatives from ISF, national education and sport authorities, and municipal institutions. The ceremony was attended by ISF Vice President Zhang Ailong, Vice Chairwoman of the Shaanxi Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee Li Xiaoying, and Chinese University & School Sports Federation (FOCUSS) Vice President and Secretary General Chen Dongsheng, alongside representatives from the Government of Shaanxi Province and the Municipality of Shangluo.
In his address, ISF Vice President Zhang Ailong welcomed the international school sport community to Shangluo and highlighted the values of friendship, respect and intercultural understanding that define ISF events. He thanked the local authorities, organisers, volunteers and partners for their efforts in preparing the championship and encouraged student-athletes to compete with passion, fairness and respect while enjoying the experience of international school sport.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese school sport movement, Chen Dongsheng underlined China's continued commitment to youth sport and educational exchange, noting the important role that international school sport events play in promoting mutual understanding among young people worldwide. He also welcomed the significant growth in participation following the successful organisation of the ISF U15 World School Volleyball Championship in 2025.
The ceremony featured cultural performances, the athletes' and referees' oaths, and the official declaration of the championship open before attention turned immediately to the competition courts.
The opening match saw host nation China begin its campaign with a 3–0 victory over India ISSO in front of an enthusiastic local crowd, officially launching more than one week of competition, educational activities and cultural exchange in Shangluo.
Over the coming days, 1074 participants representing 31 delegations and 62 teams will compete across four venues throughout the city, while also taking part in ISF Academy workshops and intercultural activities designed to promote friendship, learning and international understanding beyond volleyball.
For Shangluo, the championship represents another important chapter in the city's growing relationship with ISF. Following the successful hosting of the ISF U15 World School Volleyball Championship in 2025, the city once again welcomes the global school sport community, further strengthening its position as an experienced host of international school sport events.
