In a league of their own

"Through this tournament, they also identified areas where they can improve, which will make our future training more focused. Chengchi University's team structure and operation are close to professional level. We have a lot to learn from them, and I hope we will have more opportunities to play against each other in the future."

Among the surprises of the tournament was Etugen University from Mongolia, the undisputed dark horse of the competition. Founded in 2013, it has grown into a domestic powerhouse but remains largely unknown internationally. That changed in Hangzhou.

It narrowly lost to Chengchi University in overtime during the group stage, and once again fell to the same opponent in a hard-fought semifinal. In the third-place playoff, it was edged out by Japan's formidable Hakuoh University, finishing fourth overall.

Usukhbayar Otgonbayar, 23, reflected on the team's journey: "Both games against Chengchi University were fiercely contested. Both sides wanted to win badly, but we made some crucial mistakes at key moments, and that cost us the game," he said.

"But it's okay — we will come back stronger, we'll prepare ourselves, and we'll be ready to fight again," he said.

Otgonbayar praised the level of competition. "Every opponent was very strong. It was an honor to be part of a tournament like this," he said.