Debate Battle in the Capital: Civilization Accompanies You - Chronicle and Analysis of the Victory of the Capital University Debate Competition

Author: Yao Limin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: Two years have passed since the competition, but the memories and applause remain vivid. The content of the debates is even more relevant in Beijing today. For the debaters from various schools who participated in the event, as well as the students and audience who followed the competition, it serves as a colorful memory of life and a test of skills. For those who love debate, it is a fragment of shared experience: True creation stems from passion.
The Li Hanjun Debate Team wanted to publish a book and asked me to contribute. As the team leader, I felt it was my duty to do so. This debate competition was a grand event of the new century, with participating teams being the best from Beijing universities. Among them were both traditional strong teams and young newcomers. The benefits of debate in honing critical thinking and language skills are undeniable. Moreover, it plays a vital role in showcasing school culture and fostering a vibrant campus atmosphere. At the same time, it promotes a spirit of democracy and freedom. Our school placed great importance on this competition. For all three matches, the school leadership attended to offer support, and during the final, they organized a cheering squad of over 300 people. The entire school united to witness this glorious moment.
On behalf of the debate team, I extend my gratitude to the leaders and students who have supported us over the past four months: thank you to Deputy Secretary Yang Bin, Vice President Yu Xin, and Vice President Hou Guangming for your kind care; thank you to the Student Affairs Office and the Security and Confidentiality Office for your strong support; and thank you to the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and the School of Chemical Engineering and Materials for nurturing such outstanding debaters.
At the award ceremony, applause and a flood of flowers surged forward, while laughter and blessings echoed endlessly. People looked with admiration at the victors, and bright smiles adorned every face. However, as the team leader, I knew very well that this victory was hard-won. Over the past few months, these young debaters overcame countless challenges, sacrificing countless rest days—driven by their genuine love for debate, they took step by step toward the championship podium!
This debate team had previously competed in the National College Debate Championship in Qingdao in 2000. As freshmen, lacking experience, they did not achieve the results they had hoped for. For a time, the debate culture within the school declined, and many seemed to lose interest in debate. When we received the notice for this competition, it coincided with the end-of-term exam review period, adding further difficulties to participation. Yet, under these circumstances, the team members, fueled by their passion for debate and a strong sense of responsibility and mission, gave up their study and rest time to come together. Soon, the debate team was formed.
Training took place under very harsh conditions. Especially during the semi-finals and finals, it was the height of Beijing’s summer heat. Five people crammed into a small room of about ten square meters, with no air conditioning. Often, after a simulated debate, everyone was drenched in sweat. Despite this, they persevered with sheer determination, ultimately defeating the strong opponent, the Beijing Forestry University team.
Preparing for the finals, the team members worked tirelessly—waking up early, staying up late, and neglecting sleep. They visited the library countless times. To gather first-hand information, they conducted field research and interviews. No one complained about fatigue or hardship; their motivation came solely from their unwavering dedication to debate!
Their efforts finally paid off. They lifted the championship trophy, bringing honor to the school and adding a bold stroke to their youth! Allow me to salute them—our champions! (The author is the Director of the Security and Confidentiality Office at Beijing Institute of Technology and the team leader of the debate competition.)